Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has told there’s ‘no chance‘ for Chelsea to sell Malo gusto to ‘title rivals’ Liverpool in the future.
Liverpool have been linked with many names ahead of next summer as there’s still the probability of Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving then. The academy product is into the final year of his deal, meaning from January onwards, he could begin speaking to suitors outside of England.
Alexander-Arnold is heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, although Liverpool still harbours hopes of keeping him for the long-term future. Things are complicated in the background, and so far, mixed messages are coming out in reports, with some suggesting a departure while others have pointed towards staying at Anfield.
The next few weeks will be crucial, as Liverpool want to be prepared for every possibility in this saga. Should he depart, then a high-standard right-back will be needed to replace Alexander-Arniold, and comparing his quality, there are hardly a few in the market.
One of the players that come close to having a similar kind of output or at least packs a future promise is Malo Gusto. The highly-rated Chelsea star has been in the news for some time with suggestions that he could leave if given a subdued role in Enzo Maresca’s setup, but that has not been the case, largely due to Reece James’ persistent injury issues.
Liverpool’s links to the Frenchman will not come as a surprise given the quality Gusto packs, and on paper, he might be an ideal replacement for Alexaner-Arnold. However, the former England goalkeeper told Football Insider that there’s ‘no chance‘ that Chelsea will sell the defender to ‘title rivals’ Liverpool.
Robinson said, “No chance, He’s been playing a lot for Chelsea with the injuries Reece James has had.
“There’s a lot of players who have played with James who will tell you he’s one of the best full-backs they’ve played with, but his injury record.”
“You look at what Chelsea are carrying now and what their model is. We ridiculed the amount of players they have, but with a win at the weekend they could go top of the Premier League.
“Malo Gusto has been a key part of that, and Chelsea will not want to sell an important player to a title rival.
“I think that would be a very, very difficult deal for Liverpool to do.”
The Reece James injury record is a big factor why Gusto has played with regularity, and even when the former was fit this season, Maresca has found ways to accolade both in the setup. There were reports that Chelsea was prepared to sell James, but that might not be the case given the importance the Skipper has in this team.
Chelsea are pleased with the performances from Gusto, and some reports earlier suggested they are planning contract talks with the Frenchman. Hence, like Robinson said, there’s no chance that the Blues will sell one of their most important players, that too to a direct title rival.
