Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas insisted Malo Gusto will remain at Lyon for the remainder of the season, thus dealing a blow to Chelsea’s efforts.
Fabrizio Romano reported that Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas is adamant about allowing Malo Gusto to join Chelsea this month. The French club’s chief insists the defender will remain at the club for the remainder of the season. Yet, Chelsea are expected to make a fresh proposal to prise the defender away.
Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas, at times, likes a public negotiation for some of his players. In the past, he has openly talked about interest from rival clubs in his players. The most recent example is Alexandre Lacazatte before his move to Arsenal.
Similarly, he has now publicly stated his desire to keep hold of Malo Gusto at the club. The right-back has 18 months left on his deal, and Chelsea are keen on signing him before the current window shuts. The Blues may have tabled an offer for the 19-year-old defender, which Lyon may have yet to consider.
Gusto emerged as a firm target for Chelsea in this window after Todd Boehly recognised the shortcomings at right back. The injury to Reece James and the subsequent setback has put pressure on the owner to sort the position out using the window.
Olympique Lyon president Aulas: “I can confirm that Malo Gusto will stay here at least until the end of the season”. 🔵 #CFC
Chelsea are prepared to return with new proposal as personal terms are agreed — but OL wanna keep Gusto. pic.twitter.com/R7kKZbvZmQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 26, 2023
They have explored other options than Gusto before, but the Lyon star may seem viable and achievable. They have agreed on personal terms with the 19-year-old defender but have yet to make headway with their negotiations with the French side.
Aulas has now insisted, Gusto will remain at the club. He said, “I can confirm that Malo Gusto will stay here at least until the end of the season.”
As mentioned before, that comment could be part of a negotiation tactic implemented by Aulas. Yet, Fabrizio Romano insists, Chelsea could return with a new offer, but Lyon are keen on keeping hold of Gusto. Hence the coming days will prove crucial with the right-back’s case.
Nothing is agreed between the two sides, although things often change in the latter stages of the window. Chelsea will hope things go in their favour and Lyon agrees to their terms for Gusto.
