Paris Saint-Germain consider Chelsea defender Malo Gusto as Achraf Hakimi alternative

Paris Saint-Germain are considering a move for Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto as they continue to strengthen their squad before the new season, according to The Sun.

The 23-year-old Frenchman is being assessed as a possible alternative to Achraf Hakimi, with PSG head coach Luis Enrique understood to have approved the option. However, the French club have not confirmed any interest in Gusto, and it remains unclear whether a deal will progress.

PSG began their preparations on Wednesday, 67 days after winning the UEFA Champions League for a second time. They endured a 3-0 defeat by Real Mallorca, who were relegated to Spain’s second tier, in their opening match.

The French champions were without a large number of their international players for the game, but are nevertheless continuing to examine potential additions before the campaign begins.

Lucas Digne and Maghnes Akliouche are both reportedly close to joining PSG, although neither transfer has been officially announced. The club are also pursuing Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and Ajax midfielder Mika Godts, with both negotiations considered complicated but still ongoing.

Gusto has emerged as another possible target. Born in Decines-Charpieu, he came through the youth system at Olympique Lyonnais before joining Chelsea in 2023 for a reported €35m.

He made 49 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea last season, scoring three goals and providing five assists. He was also selected by France for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Manchester City, who are looking for a right-back, have also placed Gusto on their list of potential targets this summer. Chelsea are not thought to have ruled out selling the player, but his reported valuation of €87m could prove a major obstacle.

That figure is considered high despite Gusto’s qualities and potential, and it is difficult to imagine Paris Saint-Germain paying the full amount. The Sun reports that PSG are studying the possibility of a transfer to determine whether the defender justifies the fee.

Gusto’s profile is said to appeal particularly to Luis Enrique, who has accepted the idea of signing him as cover or an alternative for Hakimi. The move was not initially a priority for PSG this summer, especially after Warren Zaire-Emery impressed when used as a replacement for the Morocco international.

Whether Gusto ultimately moves to Paris remains uncertain. The possibility has not been confirmed in France, while Chelsea are understood to be open to allowing the French defender to leave, particularly after the arrival of Marco Balestra at Stamford Bridge.