Chelsea are reportedly looking to sign Lyon defender Malo Gusto, a target for Manchester United, and have agreed personal terms with him.
According to French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Chelsea have already secured a contractual agreement with Malo Gusto after submitting the first offer to sign him. Apparently, the Manchester United target has been offered a long-term contract of more than five years.
Manchester United are keen on signing the Frenchman as well and they have asked the defender to not rush into a decision. And despite Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s upturn in form, Gusto can potentially bolster the full-back options for Erik ten Hag.
Chelsea have been linked with the 19-year-old for weeks now. And it will be interesting to see if they can pull off the transfer before the January transfer window closes. It is hardly a surprise that Chelsea are looking to bring in a quality young right-back given the persistent injury problems of Reece James.
The England international has had limited availability this season, and Graham Potter has had to use makeshift options at right-back. Cesar Azpilicueta and Trevoh Chalobah have done a decent job as the right-sided full-back. But Chelsea need to bring in someone who will add more quality to the position and have more influence going forward.
🔴🔵 Malo Gusto a un accord contractuel avec Chelsea
🔹 Les Blues ont formulé une première offre.
🔹 Un contrat longue durée de plus de 5 ans l’attend
🔹Manchester United s’est aussi positionné et a demandé au joueur de ne pas se précipiter
🔹Chelsea suit toujours D.Dumfries pic.twitter.com/yLMZmp04jD
— Fabrice Hawkins (@FabriceHawkins) January 23, 2023
The 19-year-old defender has the potential to develop into a top-class player. And a move to Chelsea could help him accelerate his development and fulfill his potential. The Blues have now agreed personal terms over a long-term contract with Gusto and now need to convince Lyon to sell him.
The young defender will be tempted to move to the Premier League, and it would be a major step up in his career. Furthermore, Graham Potter has a reputation for nurturing young talent, and he showed that at Brighton. He could help the 19-year-old defender continue his development with regular football at Stamford Bridge.
It will be interesting to see if Manchester United decide to follow up on their interest with a concrete offer as well. Chelsea have been very active in the transfer market this month, and they will hope to fend off the competition and secure Gusto this month. Meanwhile, the 19-year-old is not the only right back on Chelsea’s radar, and the Blues are thought to be keen on signing the Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries as well.
The 26-year-old is a more experienced player who is at the peak of his career. It will be interesting to see if the Blues make a move for the Dutch international defender if they fail to agree on a fee for Gusto. Both players would represent an impressive bit of business for the London club, and it remains to be seen who they end up signing eventually.