Chelsea are reportedly set to sign 19-year-old French defender Malo Gusto from Lyon in a deal worth €30 million.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea had now agreed on a deal with French club Lyon for Malo Gusto. The talented 19-year-old full-back will undergo his medical with Chelsea today.
Apparently, Gusto will join Chelsea in the summer transfer window, but the deal will be finalised now. Furthermore, the French outfit will receive a fee of around €30 million plus add-ons for the player. Lyon also get to keep the player on loan until the end of the season, and it seems like an ideal deal for the Ligue 1 club on paper.
The 19-year-old Is highly rated around Europe, and he could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition for the Blues. Graham Potter was keen on adding more depth to his defense, with Gusto emerging as a top target. And the 19-year-old’s arrival will certainly help the London club next season.
Chelsea have been without their preferred right-back Reece James quite often this season, and Graham Potter has had to field makeshift options as his full-back because of the lack of depth in the position. The Lyon defender thus became a key target for Chelsea, who quickly agreed personal terms with him.
Malo Gusto to Chelsea, here we go! Medical tests have been scheduled tomorrow in order to seal the deal — he’s joining in June 2023 alongside Nkunku 🚨🔵🇫🇷 #CFC
OL will receive €30m plus add-ons and keep the player on loan.
Boarding completed – ✈️ London@TurkishAirlines pic.twitter.com/PAVcnzwmsB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 27, 2023
Gusto will add a specialist cover for James, and Potter will be able to start both players depending on the opposition as well. James could operate as a right-sided center back in a back three, and Gusto could start as the wing-back. Therefore, the 19-year-old will not have to sit on the bench for extended periods either.
The teenage prodigy has the attributes to develop into a top-class defender, and he will fancy his chances of holding down a regular starting spot under Graham Potter at Chelsea. The opportunity to move to Chelsea is an attractive option for most players and it is no surprise that Gusto was keen on completing the transfer.
The 19-year-old will look to showcase his qualities in the Premier League next term and continue his development under the management of Potter. The Chelsea manager has an impressive track record of nurturing talented young players, and he showed that at Brighton. He will certainly help the 19-year-old improve and fulfill his tremendous potential at Stamford Bridge.
