Man Utd and Chelsea ‘in transfer battle’ for Lyon starlet but may be forced to wait
Manchester United and Chelsea are both interested in signing Lyon right-back Malo Gusto, according to reports in France.
Gusto, 19, is regarded as one of the best young defenders in Ligue 1 and has already played 47 games in the division for Lyon. The teenager has represented France at various youth levels and currently plays for the U21s after making his debut in October 2021.
Several top European clubs are believed to be monitoring Gusto’s progress, with United and Chelsea poised to make a move. He has just 18 months left on his existing deal and Lyon could be forced to sell the prospect during the next six months to cash in.
It is believed Chelsea are leading the race for Gusto’s signature. As reported by RMC, they have agreed a long-term contract with the player and have submitted their first offer. Yet, according to Foot Mercato, Lyon do not want to sell the defender in January.
Money talks, however, and Chelsea have adopted a bullish attitude in the market since Todd Boehly’s consortium completed a takeover last summer. They’ve spent a fortune to bring the likes of Mykhaylo Mudryk, Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana to the club.
In terms of United’s interest, they are happy for Gusto to finish the season at Lyon. It is claimed they have told the youngster not to rush into a transfer, as Erik ten Hag’s side are not expected to splash the cash this month after spending a fortune last summer.
Ten Hag signed the likes of Casemiro, Antony and Lisandro Martinez during his first window in charge but has settled for loan deals this month. They’ve agreed temporary deals for Jack Butland of Crystal Palace and Wout Weghorst of Burnley.
If Gusto does not join Chelsea in January, United can battle their Premier League rivals for his signature in the summer. There is a good chance they will win that battle, as United are currently 10 points ahead of the Blues in the race for Champions League football.
Both United and Chelsea are on the lookout for a new right-back. Diogo Dalot has impressed at Old Trafford but has just 18 months left on his existing deal, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka faced fresh criticism after United’s 3-2 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday.
Chelsea do have Reece James, one of the best right-backs in Europe, but he has struggled with injuries during the last 18 months. He is currently nursing a knee complaint. They also have club captain Cesar Azpilicueta, but he will turn 34 later this year.
Since joining Chelsea in the summer of 2012, Azpilicueta has played 500 senior games and won nine trophies – including two Premier League titles and the Champions League. Yet he has faced criticism during the last 12 months and is out of contract next June.
“I think Azpilicueta has been a very fortunate lad to be at a club like Chelsea,” Neil Warnock told talkSPORT in February 2022. “I don’t think he is a great defender… you need a bit of luck and I think he’s had a bit of luck at the right time and in the right place.”
