Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign promising Lyon right-back Malo Gusto, but he will reportedly be sent straight back to the French club on loan for the rest of the season.
This seems a strange decision from the Blues, given Reece James is currently sidelined with injury, but Graham Potter must believe that it is the best decision for the 19-year-old’s development.
However, if the reports are to be believed, Chelsea have signed one of Europe’s most exciting young full-backs and he could prove to be a real asset in the future.
This is according to Get French Football News, who revealed on Friday that the London club had finalised a deal to bring Gusto to Stamford Bridge.
It is believed that they saw an initial €20m offer knocked back by Lyon but responded with an improved bid, which has convinced the French club to sell their youngster.
This January, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has spent a LOT of money, bringing in Joao Felix (loan), Mykahylo Mudryk, David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos, Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke and now Gusto.
In fact, the American has spent more than all the teams in LaLiga, Serie A, the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 combined this month, raising questions over financial fair play regulations.
The recruitments could prove to play a big role in Chelsea’s season though, who currently have a 10-point gap to close on the top four.
Gusto will be Reece James’ main competition next season
Although, it seems that the Blues will have to do this without Gusto, who will head back to Lyon for the remainder of the season.
Gusto has been on Chelsea’s radar for some time, after first being linked with him in November, while Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is also a big fan of the full-back.
The Frenchman has been a very important player for Lyon, hence why they have struck an agreement to keep him at the club on a temporary basis until the end of the campaign, as confirmed by Sky Sports.
Gusto has spent his entire career at Lyon, gradually rising through the ranks before solidifying his spot in the starting XI last season.
Overall, the right-back has featured 62 times for the Ligue 1 giants, scoring one goal and making six assists.
He is defensively solid, quick and skilful on the ball, with the ability to get up and down the line and deliver dangerous balls into the box.
Gusto is also versatile, with the ability to play as a right-back, centre-back or even as a right midfielder on occasion, so he will provide cover in several areas for Potter in the future.
He is also highly valued by his national team, making his France under-21s debut last year.
Indeed, with Cesar Azpillicueta expected to leave in the summer, Gusto will be the main backup option for Reece James next season, if the deal goes through as expected.