Chelsea are in talks to sign Malo Gusto from Lyon ahead of next week's January transfer deadline and could submit an official offer in the coming days, football.london understands.
The Blues are on the hunt for a new right-back following Reece James' continuous injury problems this season and Gusto has been identified as a big target in the final stages of the window. The 19-year-old, who has just over a year remaining on his contract with Lyon, has come through the academy at the French club and is understood to be settled with his situation right now.
Sources have told football.london that Lyon want to keep Gusto beyond this month. However, talks are underway and Chelsea will be doing their best to change the French club's mind over the teenager.
READ MORE: Chelsea set to approach Benfica over Enzo Fernandez deal before transfer window closes
Chelsea's search for a new right-back comes after James suffered another injury last month. The problem he suffered – in the 2-0 win against Bournemouth on December 27 – was actually in his return match after he missed England's World Cup campaign because of injury.
James is arguably Chelsea's most important player and his absence is really felt like no other. Cesar Azpilicueta and Trevoh Chalobah have both filled in for James, but the pair are quite limited when attacking, so Chelsea have been scouring the transfer market to see what is available for them this month.
Gusto is the man they've identified and there is genuine confidence from Chelsea's side that a deal can be struck with Lyon for the young defender. He is a very attacking-minded full-back who relies much on his athleticism and speed to progress the ball into offensive areas.
And, like James, his crossing is one of the strongest parts of his game. The teenager often finds himself with lots of space on the right-hand side and he is constantly looking to see if he can deliver a ball into the area.
As well as this, he is very aggressive in his tackling. Gusto can often be seen slide tackling and winning possession back for his team. Gusto has particularly impressed in one-versus-one situations – something that has really stood out since he broke into the Lyon first-team back in 2021. It's also why he's become a regular for France Under-21s in what is a very talented young squad of players.
Gusto spends a lot of his time high up the pitch when Lyon have possession. Although he's not experienced there, the positions he takes up regularly in games suggest that he could indeed play as a right wing-back.
The young Frenchman has all the ingredients to make it to the very top. A move to Chelsea, although he is expected to be back-up to James when fit, could be the right one for him at this stage of his career.
James has been injured plenty of times over the past season-and-a-half and when he does return, Graham Potter will definitely try and manage his minutes to ensure there is no immediate repeat. And if he does get injured again, then this essentially gives Gusto a run in the team.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea man gives Graham Potter big selection dilemma after Mykhailo Mudryk's cameo vs Liverpool
How Graham Potter will use rare Chelsea break to welcome new signings and unite his squad
Todd Boehly has one final task to complete £138million Chelsea transfer mission
Mykhailo Mudryk's Chelsea debut assessed as Jurgen Klopp has hand forced in Liverpool vs Chelsea
Every word Graham Potter said on Liverpool vs Chelsea, Mudryk, Madueke signing, Silva and more
