Manchester City respond to shock asking price for Chelsea star

Xabi Alonso has already made significant changes to Chelsea’s playing squad (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea may need to lower their asking price if they are to find a buyer for Malo Gusto this summer.

Xabi Alonso is in the process of making sweeping changes to a squad that failed to qualify for Europe last season amid significant upheaval.

Enzo Maresca’s departure in January and Liam Rosenior’s short-lived reign are now, however, distant memories with the Blues already looking far better equipped to challenge for Champions League qualification at the very least.

With Morgan Rogers arriving at cost of £117million and Danny Welbeck complementing the likes of Joao Pedro, Chelsea’s attack now boasts greater variation and experience.

Jordan Henderson’s presence will also add greater nous to a dressing room that has lacked genuine leadership since the departure of Thiago Silva two years ago.

Alonso has also overseen significant changes in defence where Trevoh Chalobah’s impending move to Como has already been offset by the arrival of Premier League proven Maxence Lacroix.

Changes are also set to take place in the full-back positions where Marc Cucurella has left to join Real Madrid and effectively been replaced by Pep Chavarria.

Chelsea want £75m for Malo Gusto (Picture: Getty)

On the opposite flank, meanwhile, Marco Palestra is expected to feature prominently and his arrival from Bologna could hasten the departure of Malo Gusto.

The former Lyon star was a regular fixture under Maresca at right-back and the new Manchester City head coach is keen to be reunited with the France international.