The Blues and the Red Devils have received a harsh message from President Lyon as they continue to harass French player Malo Gusto.
What did Aulas say about Malo Gusto?
The Blues have made an ambitious bid to poach the Lyon defender, but the Ligue 1 side have made it clear they are not considering a winter relegation. Man Utd also joined the race, alleging that Manchester United have asked the youngster to delay any decision on a potential move to the PL as they are preparing an application as well. However, both clubs were warned by the president that Malo Gusto was not for sale and would at least remain in France until the summer.
“I am happy to confirm that Malo Gusto, a big hope for OL, will continue to play with OL until at least June 2023,” Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas tweeted.
A little about the topic
PSG are eager to board Rayan Cherki as previously reported, but Jean-Michel has brushed off any possibility of such a transfer as he insists the club wants to keep the player as it gets more freedom of expression at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais. “If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that a talent like Rayan will stay. Thanks to the team, don’t look for another click to send him to the club bench where he can’t express himself like at home “, – said Jean-Michel Aulas.
The Blues are ready to test Lyon’s resolve with an improved offer of around £30m for Malo Gusto, according to a British newspaper. It remains to be seen whether Jean-Michel is standing firm on his decision or allowing the defender to join the Premier League side.
The Blues are set to complete the signing on January 7 after a €30m (£26m/$32m) deal for defender Malo Gusto was reached with Lyon.
How was everything?
The move, first announced by French outlet RMC Sport, will see Malo Gusto remain on loan in Lyon until June. The €30m deal – which does not include add-ons – comes after the French side rebuffed the Blues’ initial bid as they remained firm on keeping the player until the end of the season.
The deal appears to satisfy that end of the deal as the Blues seek cover from right-back following Reece James’ recent knee injuries. England’s international community suffered two setbacks in 2022 – for which he called it his toughest year to date – and Potter’s side lacks an equivalent creative and hard-working exit to the right of Reece from the squad.
French defender Malo Gusto is believed to be enough to close that gap, accumulating consistent playing time at Lyon in the second half of the season to challenge for next term places. The Blues have fended off interest from the Red Devils for the signing of a French defender who is joining the likes of Noni Madueke, David Datro Fofana, Joao Felix, Andrey Santos, Mykhailo Mudryk and Benoit Badiashile in west London in 2023.
What will happen after this?
With an agreement in principle, all that remains is for both clubs to make it official before Malo Gusto can enter Chelsea from the start of the 2023-24 campaign.