Chelsea are ‘pretty close’ to signing Lyon defender Malo Gusto following protracted negotiations, journalist Simon Phillips has told GiveMeSport.
The Blues have embarked on an extremely spending spree since co-owner Todd Boehly arrived at the club last summer, and their recruitment drive is showing no signs of slowing down.
Chelsea transfer news – Malo Gusto
Fabrizio Romano has reported that ‘Chelsea are in direct contact’ with Lyon over a move for Gusto as they look to add some much-needed cover and competition for Reece James.
It’s claimed that personal terms have already been agreed with the 19-year-old by the capital club’s hierarchy and that he is open to joining them.
And the Daily Mail have now claimed that Chelsea are set to make a second offer worth around £30 million for Gusto after seeing their opening bid rebuffed by Lyon.
The Ligue 1 outfit are said to be eager to keep the right-back on loan for the remainder of the season, though, something which could be problematic in Chelsea’s pursuit.
And fellow Premier League giant Manchester United are also listed among Gusto’s potential suitors with Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future up in the air at Old Trafford.
What has Phillips said about Gusto?
Chelsea have already snapped up several exciting acquisitions this month with the likes of Joao Felix, Noni Madueke, and Mykhailo Mudryk joining Graham Potter’s charges.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
And Phillips has told GMS that Gusto is seemingly set to be the next fresh face welcomed in by the west London outfit.
He said: “So, this one's pretty close now. The fee has not been agreed yet, but personal terms with the player have been agreed. He's really keen, he wants it done.”
Would Gusto be a good signing?
Gusto has established himself as Lyon’s first-choice right-back this season, producing one assist in his 15 top-flight appearances.
The France Under-21 international has also put up some very eye-catching underlying numbers of late, highlighting exactly why he is so high up on Chelsea’s wish list.
As per FBref, Gusto has ranked in the 95th percentile for attempted passes, 92nd for expected assists, 88th for interceptions, and 83rd for completed dribbles amongst his positional peers over the last year.
Those figures indicate why Gusto is regarded as one of the game's most promising full-backs, and he could be the ideal candidate to step into James’ shoes when he’s unavailable.