Lyon Chairman Jean-Michel Aulas has drawn a line in the sand and told Chelsea that Malo Gusto will not be moving to the West London club in this window.
Aulas explicitly stated: “I can confirm that Malo Gusto will stay here [Lyon] at least until the end of the season”
Of course, that could just be a tactic to drive up the £35 million valuation of the French sensation, but it is a blow for the Blues nevertheless.
Lyon Chairman Sends Chelsea Malo Gusto Message: He ‘Will Stay’
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
Personal Terms Already Agreed
Chelsea have already made plenty of progress with the player himself, having already agreed on personal terms with the 19-year-old.
If Todd Boehly and co were able to get this deal over the line, it would continue a massive spending spree which has seen the club bring in several high-value signings – most notably hijacking Mykhailo Mudryk’s move to London rivals Arsenal.
Read More: Chelsea Looking To Terminate Contract of £35 Million Flop
Issues at Right-Back
Chelsea’s persistence in the deal is understandable given their current lack of options in the position.
First-choice Reece James has suffered another long-term injury and secondary option Cesar Azpilicueta is beyond his best years at this stage of his career. As a result, Graham Potter has opted to use youngster Trevoh Chalobah, most often deployed at centre-back, as a make-shift right-back. That solution, however, is far from ideal.
An athletic full-back, who can impact the game at both ends of the pitch, is vital for any top team and, as a natural centre-back, Chalobah struggles to offer an attacking threat in the final third, despite being defensively sound. That not only creates an imbalance within the side but reduces the amount of fluidity with which the team can attack.
Read More: Chelsea Open to Selling Midfield Star Once Compared to Frank Lampard
It, therefore, makes sense that the club are pushing hard to sign Gusto, but it remains to be seen whether or not they will be able to get the deal done before the transfer window slams shut.
