Barcelona and Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Malo Gusto, but Olympique Lyon do not plan on selling the teenager.
According to French publication L’Equipe, Barcelona and Manchester United have set their sights on Olympique Lyon prospect Malo Gusto as they continue their search for a new right-back.
Gusto came through the youth ranks at Lyon and broke into the first team at the French club last year. The 19-year-old right-back has made 40 appearances for Les Gones so far, registering six assists in the process. He also has five caps for the France Under-21 national team, for whom he has scored a goal.
Gusto is regarded very highly at Lyon and his performances over the past year have led to an interest in his services from two of the biggest clubs on the planet in the form of Barcelona and Manchester United.
Barcelona are on the lookout for a new right-sided full-back as Dani Alves has been released, and Sergino Dest is set to be sold. It leaves Xavi with Sergi Roberto as the only option in the position. The Catalans tried to sign Cesar Azpilicueta from Chelsea, but the veteran defender snubbed them and signed a new contract with the Blues, leaving Barca on the lookout for alternatives.
A move for Juan Foyth of Villarreal is in the pipeline, but his €42 million release clause would make the deal difficult. Barcelona are also looking at Borussia Dortmund’s Thomas Meunier and Arsenal outcast Hector Bellerin. Now, Gusto is the latest addition to their shortlist of options to strengthen the right-back position.
Manchester United, too, are intently pursuing the signing of a new right-back as Aaron Wan-Bissaka is out of favour and will be allowed to leave this summer. Diogo Dalot is currently the first choice in the position but has struggled to perform consistently. So, a new player is needed imminently, more so after their disastrous start to the new season.
Interestingly, Manchester United are considering a move for Barcelona’s Sergino Dest. At the same time, they share multiple transfer targets with the Catalans in the form of Meunier and now Malo Gusto.
While the interest from Barcelona and Manchester United certain to appeal to the 19-year-old teenager, Lyon, at the moment, have no interest in selling their young prospect this summer. With his contract expiring in two years, the French outfit could also be considering offering him a new deal. So, unless the two clubs come up with an offer too good to turn down, Lyon could decide to keep hold of Gusto.
