Chelsea remains interested in Malo Gusto, with the Lyon right-back considered an achievable target for a difficult squad position in January.
According to Caughtoffside, Malo Gusto is strongly considered by Chelsea ahead of the January window. The Lyon right-back could fix a glaring squad weakness in Graham Potter’s side, as the Blues target a suitable right-back to strengthen the squad.
Chelsea will be more thankful for the World Cup break than any other top-six side, considering their faltering form. As Graham Potter gets to grips with this team, the squad shows there’s much to fix. After the defeats to Brighton and Arsenal, the Blues have fallen apart in the title race and will target a top-four finish.
Potter will be eager to explore new avenues when January comes along. Having inherited a squad from former manager Thomas Tuchel, the new Chelsea boss will be eager to sign players of his specifications. The former Brighton boss and the club hierarchy are planning an extensive rebuild. The following window may be helpful to solve immediate issues.
After experimenting with the team, Potter will likely stick with his principles and continue playing with a back three. Hence, greater emphasis will be on the wing-back positions, with the right side a problematic area.
Chelsea have struggled to find a relevant solution on the right side since Reece James suffered a long-term injury. Cesar Azpilicueta is an option, but Potter is keen on a long-term solution. A few names, such as Lyon star Malo Gusto and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, are being discussed.
Bayer Leverkusen remains uninterested in a sale during January, thus letting clubs focus their attempts on Gusto. Chelsea have extensively studied the Lyon star’s attributes and what qualities he might bring to the side.
Potter has recently used players like Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Raheem Sterling to cover the wing-back position. He would want a proper right-back to improve the area and team play. Several Premier League rivals are vying for his signature. Chelsea remains confident of prising him away in January, but Lyon are yet to reveal their asking price.
Considering Gusto has a contract until 2024, Lyon will demand a significant sum, especially in January. As Chelsea may need immediate reinforcements in the net window, a move for Gusto could be on the cards.
