Chelsea preparing a bid for Lyon defender Malo Gusto
Chelsea are preparing an offer for Lyon right-back Malo Gusto in the region of €40 million, after agreeing to personal terms, according to ESPN. They have reportedly had a bid worth €20 million rejected already.
Gusto has reportedly agreed a six-and-a-half-year deal with the London club, which would fit with the recent pattern of Chelsea offering huge contracts.
Lyon wants to take Gusto back on loan for the rest of the season, however, Chelsea wants him to join this month. Given their current right-back options are the aging Cesar Azpilicueta and Trevoh Chalobah, who is naturally a center-back, it seems wise.
Manchester United are also reportedly interested in him but are running low on funds after their summer spending spree. They have asked him to wait until the summer.
Gusto would suit both Chelsea and the Red Devils to a tee. He gives Chelsea a quality option behind Reece James, something they currently lack. James can also play on the right-hand side of a back three, so they can play together as well.
Manchester United, meanwhile, need a long-term plan at right-back. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is most likely gone in the summer despite some strong showings recently. Gusto would be good competition for Diogo Dalot, and they could potentially be getting a superstar at the position.
Gusto has already played 47 times for Lyon after making his debut at 17. He is an excellent attacking full-back, who excels both at dribbling and crossing. He lands in the 99th percentile for crosses into the box per 90 for all full-backs. He is also a very creative player, recording 2.76 shot-creating actions per 90, landing in the 80th percentile.
His signing fits Chelsea’s recent strategy of recruiting young players on long contracts and could be a fantastic investment for the Blues.
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