Prior to the start of January window, Manchester United had been heavily linked with a move for a right back.
Diogo Dalot's injury issues after the World Cup made it incredibly apparent that the club needed a strong rotation option for the Portuguese full-back if they were going to succeed this season. The only problem for United was that all their long-term options were out of their price range.
The resurgence of Aaron Wan-Bissaka seemingly put the question on hold for now with the right-back starting regularly since club football resumed in late December. However, there are still question marks over whether the 25-year-old has a long-term future at the club.
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One of the names that had been linked with a move to Old Trafford was Malo Gusto. The 19-year-old has been a revelation for Olympique Lyon since his debut in 2021 and many European clubs have been keeping tabs on his contract situation ahead of making a bid.
United haven't acted and now Chelsea have an opportunity to swoop in. Chelsea have spent over £400m so far in the 2022/23 transfer windows and it seems that they are not planning on slowing down any time soon.
Graham Potter's side have struggled in the Premier League and sit in tenth place. Chelsea want to sign a new midfielder this month, with Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo being heavily linked, but they also want a right-back to provide cover and competition for Reece James.
It seems Gusto is the player they believe can fill that role. RCM Sport in France have reported that Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Gusto and a contract that will span more than five years, but Lyon have rejected the club's opening offer.
Many fans would say United cannot allow Chelsea to sign a player that would seriously upgrade Erik ten Hag's side unchallenged, but in the club's current situation, it would appear there is little they can do. Dalot and Wan-Bissaka are good enough for now, but Gusto is an example of the sort of elite talent United must be targeting to help Ten Hag achieve his goals.
Chelsea's spending poses an issue for United and the rest of the league if the Blues get it right on the pitch. United's approach in the transfer market could change significantly, though, should new owners take over from the Glazers.
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