Chelsea set to sign Malo Gusto from Lyon

Chelsea have agreed a deal with Olympique Lyonnais to sign Malo Gusto, according to RMC Sport.

The Frenchman will finish the season with Lyon before joining the Blues in the summer.

Chelsea have been searching for a right-back to provide competition for Reece James. He is one of the best defenders in the world but is injury prone.

The Blues have been linked with Sporting CP’s Pedro Porro and Olympique Marseille’s Jonathan Clauss, but settled on Gusto.

The 19-year-old joined Lyon’s academy in 2016. He was initially an attacking midfielder but switched to right-back when an age group above needed a defender.

Gusto made his senior team debut in the 2020/21 season, replacing Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes.

He has made 54 appearances for Lyon, assisting six goals. He has recorded one assist for Les Gones in 15 appearances this season.

Gusto is raw, but there are plenty of positive elements to his game. He can be naive defensively but is a constant threat when he joins the attack.

Chelsea will enjoy his ability to skip past players and whip in dangerous crosses for attackers.

The Blues are stockpiling young talents under their new owners. They invested heavily in several prospects including Andrey Santos, Benoit Badiahile, Mykhailo Mudryk, David Datro Fofana and Noni Madueke.

The London club will now spend the last few days of the transfer window searching for midfield reinforcements.

They are ready to return for Enzo Fernandez and are keeping an eye on Arsenal’s negotiations with Brighton & Hove Albion for Moises Caicedo.