Chelsea have agreed a deal with Lyon for the transfer of Malo Gusto during the summer transfer window. The Blues will be paying a sum worth €30 million for the right-back, who will be the highly anticipated back-up to Reece James.
The Cobham academy graduate has had to deal with several long-term injuries which have kept him out of action for months. And during that time, Chelsea’s performances have gone down as well. James is close to making a full recovery, and Gusto will be his deputy from the coming season.
Malo Gusto to join Chelsea this summer as Reece James alternative
Lyon will be keeping the player on loan for the remainder of the season as the deal has been agreed. He becomes the second new signing for the West London club after they sealed an agreement for Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig.
The France international will be joining in the summer as well, and his arrival was secured last month.
Laurent Blanc, the head coach of Lyon, had confirmed that his squad would not be depleted during the January transfer window. And while that statement has held true, Malo Gusto will be making the move to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
Not only will the competition push both players to be better, but both will be able to help the team when needed. James is one of Chelsea’s most vital attacking threats, and his absence has held the team back significantly. And an attack-minded right-back like Gusto is the perfect alternative to James in case he picks up another injury or needs to be rotated to avoid excess strain.
