{"id":3060,"date":"2026-09-03T12:25:45","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T12:25:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=3060"},"modified":"2026-09-03T12:25:45","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T12:25:45","slug":"chelsea-wanted-malo-gusto-swap-for-man-city-star-and-made-ayyoub-bouaddi-request","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=3060","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea wanted Malo Gusto swap for Man City star and made Ayyoub Bouaddi request"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The transfer window might have closed, but little nuggets of information continue to spill over. Now, reports are suggesting Chelsea requested a Man City player in a swap deal for Malo Gusto.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Throughout the window, Gusto was linked with a move to Man City<\/a>. Enzo Maresca was touted with a few Chelsea<\/a> players and possible reunions, Pedro Neto being another. Only Enzo Fernandez made the move.<\/p>\n

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With Enzo Fernandez gone and Lamine Camara staying at Monaco, who should partner Moises Caicedo in midfield this season?<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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But it is clear City held an interest in a few Chelsea players, and talks between the two clubs were not just to discuss the British-record-equalling \u00a3125m move for Fernandez. Gusto was the subject of talks, too.<\/p>\n

However, Gusto has remained a key part of Xabi Alonso\u2019s<\/a> plans this season, unlike Fernandez, who was not included in squads against Luton and Brighton. Gusto was even used in midfield against Brighton.<\/p>\n

Chelsea requested Malo Gusto swap deal for Man City star<\/h2>\n

According to The Athletic,<\/a> City sources say Chelsea requested England World Cup star Nico O\u2019Reilly<\/a> in talks for Gusto, along with his full transfer fee. Clearly, a deal that City were never going to accept.<\/p>\n

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Indeed, O\u2019Reilly is likely to be worth more than Gusto, given he is a young England international in the Premier League. Chelsea probably knew this if they made such a request. Basically, a hands-off warning.<\/p>\n

Chelsea even requested Man City to step back from \u00a386m deal<\/h2>\n

The same report even claims Chelsea asked City to back down from a move to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi, the Morocco World Cup star who has joined City for \u00a386m from Lille. Obviously, City ignored Chelsea.<\/p>\n

He is now likely to provide cover for Elliot Anderson and Fernandez under Maresca. From Chelsea\u2019s side, those claims are denied as per the report, but insiders at City claim Chelsea did make these requests.<\/p>\n

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Who starts in the middle of the park for Chelsea now?<\/h2>\n

Ironically, when it could have been Bouaddi or even Fernandez had he remained, now it could be Gusto. Ultimately, Chelsea have five options in the middle, but two are injured, and two are prone to injury.<\/p>\n

Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson remain sidelined, while Reece James and Romeo Lavia are no strangers to spells out. Lavia is still yet to complete a full 90 minutes for Chelsea in a competitive game.<\/p>\n

There is no doubt that Lavia starts against Arsenal on Sunday, while James has had time to rest. Valentin Barco has impressed when used, especially against Luton. What Chelsea would give for Lamine Camara.<\/p>\n

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