Chelsea are keen on signing Malo Gusto from Lyon before the January transfer window closes and are preparing a new bid for the teenager.
According to a report from Foot Mercato, Chelsea have had a bid of around €20 million turned down for Malo Gusto. And the Blues are prepared to submit an improved offer now. A bid of around €30-40 million is on the way, and it will be difficult for Lyon to turn it down.
The player is reportedly keen on the move to Stamford Bridge, and he believes that the transfer could help him nail down a spot for himself in the French national team setup. Furthermore, he has received assurances from Chelsea regarding game time as well.
France have used Jules Kounde and Benjamin Pavard as their right-backs in recent years, and Didier Deschamps does not have a quality right-back at his disposal. Gusto will feel that the position is up for grabs if he can impress in the Premier League.
Chelsea have Reece James as their only reliable right-back, and Graham Potter has had to rely on Cesar Azpilicueta and Trevoh Chalobah in the absence of the England international. Chalobah is more of a central defender, while Azpilicueta simply does not have the engine to play as a full-back anymore.
Signing a quality right-back should be a priority for the Blues and Gusto would be a superb long-term investment. The 19-year-old will compete for the starting spot with Reece James and will hope to usurp the England star in the coming seasons. The competition for places will only help both players improve further and put in consistent performances every week.
Chelsea have been very active in the transfer market this month, and they have already signed Benoit Badiashile to improve their central defensive options. And the west Londoners recently submitted an offer to sign Gusto. But their €20 million bid did not work out, and Chelsea are now preparing a proposal worth up to €40 million to land the teenage defensive sensation.
Gusto would the final piece of the puzzle for them. The Blues signed Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella in the summer and they would have their back four sorted for the foreseeable future. It will be interesting to see if Chelsea can strike an agreement with Lyon and get the deal across the line to wrap up a hugely impressive transfer window now.
