Chelsea remain keen on signing Lyon wingback Malo Gusto, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
While the Blues have yet to make a formal approach for the Frenchman, Romano says that could still change before the transfer window closes at the end of the month:
“Chelsea are tracking right-backs, and one player they are monitoring for sure is Malo Gusto. He’s a player they appreciate, they’ve been following him. He’s a player who has been on their list for a long time, so it’s true that Chelsea are interested in Malo Gusto. He’s one of the players on that list, together with Denzel Dumfries, and other players in that position.”
“At the moment, there’s still no official bid from Chelsea, so let’s see how it will continue next week for the Malo Gusto deal. But, at the moment, still no official bid or club contact.”
Gusto is a young, promising fullback, whose strengths lie in the attacking third of the pitch, and many supporters on Twitter are backing a move for the defender:
This Gusto guy looks the real deal in YT comps. Perfect backup for Reece and great rotational option to prevent Reece from getting overplayed too much.
— CFC_YAN (@brohitter99) January 22, 2023
Please let it happen good competition for James.
— Melvin Isak 🇦🇽🇦🇽 (@melvin_Isak) January 22, 2023
Absolute baller – scary potential
— Zee (@94_zeeshan) January 22, 2023
Malo is good.
— Odogwu Bitters (@odogwubitters65) January 22, 2023
Make this deal happen Asap @todd_boehly
— Owo ni Koko (@Owonikoko1802) January 22, 2023
Please let it happen good competition for James.
— Melvin Isak 🇦🇽🇦🇽 (@melvin_Isak) January 22, 2023
Act fast coz Lyon are difficult to do business with
— Derrick⭐ (@Derrick03569396) January 22, 2023
Make this happen Todd please🤲🏾💙
— Funsho (@Funshhhh) January 22, 2023
It remains to be seen whether Graham Potter’s side will prioritise a new right-back ahead of the transfer deadline. At the moment, the focus seems to be on recruiting a midfielder.
However, considering Reece James’ poor injury record, it would be an oversight if Chelsea don’t look to sign a backup option; especially due to the lack of alternatives currently available in the first-team squad.
As Romano points out, Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries is also being scouted so fans should anticipate an offer for one of the two players in the next week or so.