Manchester City fans send clear message after fresh Malo Gusto transfer update
Manchester City supporters have reacted strongly after fresh reports claimed the club remain admirers of Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto despite the London club demanding around £75 million for the France international.
According to reports, Manchester City and incoming head coach Enzo Maresca both appreciate Gusto’s qualities. However, Chelsea’s valuation is currently viewed as far too expensive and, unless there is a significant shift in negotiations, City are expected to pursue alternative right-back targets instead.
The latest update has generated plenty of discussion among City supporters on X, with the vast majority agreeing on one thing: £75 million is simply too much to pay.
While there is some admiration for Gusto’s ability, fan opinion appears to have shifted firmly towards pursuing other options, particularly Feyenoord youngster Givairo Read.
The £75 million valuation is where most fans draw the line
Supporters rarely questioned whether Malo Gusto is a capable footballer.
Instead, almost every discussion centred around the enormous transfer fee Chelsea are reportedly demanding.
One fan summed up the feeling perfectly by writing:
“That price is too much icl.”
It proved to be one of the most-liked reactions beneath the City Xtra post and reflected the mood of hundreds of supporters.
Another supporter sarcastically replied:
“Come get him at £70m.”
Others were even more direct.
“They should not even try it.”
“Noooo, pls look elsewhere.”
“Don’t want him.”
Those responses illustrate that, for many City supporters, this is no longer about whether Gusto is talented enough to improve the squad. It is about value for money.
Manchester City have developed a reputation over recent years for walking away from deals they believe exceed a player’s market value. That disciplined approach has become a major part of the club’s recruitment strategy, even when they strongly admire a player. Reports suggest the same stance is being applied in this case.
Some supporters still believe Gusto would improve City’s squad
Although the majority opposed spending such a large fee, not every supporter rejected the player himself.
One optimistic fan simply wrote:
“BRING, he’s a good talent.”
That view reflects an important distinction.
Many supporters acknowledge that Gusto possesses Premier League experience, athleticism and attacking qualities that could suit Manchester City’s style.
The concern is not necessarily the footballer.
It is whether any right-back outside the absolute elite should command a £75 million transfer fee.
That distinction became a recurring theme throughout the discussion.
Givairo Read dominates the conversation
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the fan reaction was not the criticism of Gusto.
It was the number of supporters calling for Manchester City to sign Givairo Read instead.
Comments included:
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“Get Givairo Read.”
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“What happened to the Givairo Read links?”
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“Givairo Read baby we will save you.”
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“Just get Givairo Read.”
The repeated mentions suggest many City fans have already identified the Feyenoord defender as their preferred solution.
That is particularly interesting because reports have consistently linked Read with Manchester City throughout the summer as an alternative if negotiations for Gusto fail.
Supporters appear to believe the Dutch youngster represents both better long-term value and a significantly lower financial risk.
Frustration grows over repeated Gusto reports
Another noticeable theme was simple transfer fatigue.
Some supporters expressed frustration that the same story continues to circulate without meaningful progress.
One fan wrote:
“You guys have posted this same thing like 100 times.”
Another added:
“How is man still talking bout f’ing Gusto?”
The reaction highlights how transfer sagas can test supporters’ patience.
When negotiations appear stalled for weeks, fans naturally begin looking elsewhere for fresh developments.
With Chelsea maintaining their valuation and City refusing to meet it, many supporters now believe the story has reached a predictable stalemate.
Some supporters question whether right-back should even be the priority
Interestingly, not every reply focused on the defender.
One supporter instead questioned Manchester City’s recruitment priorities altogether.
“Do we not think we need a right winger??”
That comment sparked discussion around City’s wider transfer strategy.
While strengthening at right-back remains an obvious objective, some fans believe attacking reinforcements deserve equal attention depending on departures and squad depth.
It demonstrates that supporters are thinking beyond one transfer and considering how the entire squad should evolve.
Others simply cannot see the appeal
Some of the strongest reactions came from supporters who are unconvinced by Gusto’s overall level.
One fan commented:
“Only when you are blind can you like Gusto.”
Another sarcastically asked:
“And this one appeals?”
While those opinions are subjective, they underline the divided perception surrounding the Chelsea defender.
Unlike universally admired transfer targets, Gusto appears to split opinion among supporters.
That makes Chelsea’s valuation even more difficult for fans to accept.
Alternative names continue to emerge
Beyond Givairo Read, supporters also suggested several other players.
Comments referenced:
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Djed Spence
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Marco Palestra
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Cafunes
One supporter questioned why City had not pursued Palestra earlier.
Another claimed:
“Cafunes is literally so much better???”
Whether those alternatives are realistic or not, the responses demonstrate that many fans believe there are stronger options available than paying Chelsea’s asking price.
Manchester City’s recruitment philosophy could decide everything
One reason supporters remain relatively relaxed is Manchester City’s recent transfer history.
The club have repeatedly shown they are willing to abandon negotiations if prices become excessive.
Supporters have watched City walk away from expensive deals before eventually identifying alternative solutions.
That approach has helped maintain financial discipline despite competing for the world’s biggest trophies.
Current reports indicate that unless Chelsea significantly reduce their demands, Manchester City are expected to move on to other targets rather than overpay.
That aligns with the strategy supporters have come to expect.
Why Enzo Maresca’s admiration matters
One reason the story refuses to disappear is Enzo Maresca’s previous relationship with Malo Gusto.
Reports indicate Maresca greatly appreciates the French defender after working with him previously, making him an attractive tactical fit for the new project.
That connection explains why City remain interested despite the financial obstacle.
Managers naturally value players they already understand.
However, supporters appear confident that admiration alone should not justify such a significant transfer fee.
Could Chelsea lower their asking price?
That remains the biggest unknown.
Reports suggest Chelsea are not actively looking to sell Gusto and therefore have little incentive to reduce their valuation.
If that position changes later in the transfer window, negotiations could become more realistic.
For now, however, City supporters overwhelmingly believe the club should stand firm.
Fans trust the club to make the right decision
Despite the disagreement over Gusto, there is little panic among supporters.
One fan simply commented:
“Interesting to see the one we’re going to get.”
That reflects confidence in Manchester City’s recruitment department.
Rather than demanding one specific player, many supporters appear willing to trust the club to identify the correct alternative if Gusto proves unattainable.
Considering City’s transfer success over recent seasons, that confidence is understandable.
The overall fan verdict
Looking across hundreds of interactions, several clear themes emerge.
First, supporters overwhelmingly believe £75 million represents poor value.
Second, many fans would rather pursue Givairo Read or another alternative.
Third, while some admire Gusto’s talent, very few believe Chelsea’s asking price should be accepted.
Finally, supporters appear comfortable with Manchester City walking away if negotiations remain unchanged.
That position closely mirrors the club’s reported stance.
Manchester City appreciate the player, but not at any cost.
If Chelsea refuse to lower their valuation, the Blues are expected to explore different options instead.
With plenty of the transfer window still remaining, this story appears far from finished.
Whether Chelsea soften their demands or City ultimately move elsewhere, supporters have already made one thing abundantly clear.
They want smart recruitment—not expensive recruitment.
FAQs: Manchester City, Malo Gusto and the transfer rumours
Are Manchester City interested in Malo Gusto?
Yes. Reports state Manchester City admire Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto, and Enzo Maresca is also understood to appreciate the player. However, Chelsea’s valuation is currently considered too high.
Why are Manchester City not signing Malo Gusto?
The main obstacle is Chelsea’s reported £75 million asking price. Manchester City are unwilling to pay that figure and are expected to pursue alternatives unless Chelsea lower their demands.
Why are Manchester City fans against signing Malo Gusto?
Most supporters believe the reported transfer fee represents poor value. While some acknowledge Gusto’s quality, many feel £75 million is excessive for the position.
Who do Manchester City fans want instead of Malo Gusto?
The most frequently mentioned alternative is Givairo Read, with several supporters urging the club to prioritise the Feyenoord defender.
Is Givairo Read a Manchester City transfer target?
Reports have linked Manchester City with Givairo Read as one of the alternatives if a deal for Malo Gusto cannot be completed.
Could Manchester City still sign Malo Gusto?
Yes, but only if Chelsea significantly reduce their valuation or negotiations change later in the transfer window. As things stand, reports suggest City will look elsewhere if the asking price remains unchanged.


