Chelsea have been told by Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas that Malo Gusto will remain in France until the summer. The Blues are in advanced talks with the Ligue 1 side to sign the 19-year-old this window, football.london understands, and personal terms have already been agreed.
Gusto is one of the best young players in his position across Europe and has attracted the attention of Chelsea, who are looking to offer immediate and long-term back-up and competition for Reece James. The English full-back has struggled with injuries over the past 12 months.
With less than one week until the January window deadline, Chelsea are frantically trying to get even more business done having already signed six players. Four of those are attackers though and midfield is still an area of concern.
READ MORE: Malo Gusto to Chelsea transfer: Tariq Lamptey impact, Personal terms agreed, Man United interest
Gusto is currently their main priority but Lyon would prefer not to sell one of their prized assets mid-season. Chelsea, though trying their best to make just that happen, have now been warned off.
In a statement on Twitter, Aulas writes: "Since I am actively participating with Vincent Bruno Laurent in this great winter movement, I have the pleasure of confirming the team on KTE but also of specifying that Malo, a great hope for OL, will continue to play with OL in less until 06/30/23."
Michels does have history of saying similar things just for the transfer to happen anyway so Blues fans may want to take it with a pinch of salt, but it is still a very public stance taken on a player.
It also wouldn't be the first time that this has happened with Chelsea. Wesley Fofana was forced to train with Leicester's youth team as he tried to push through a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Gusto is the new man at the centre of the attention though and Chelsea will be working tirelessly to get it across the line in any way, shape or form.
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