Aheed Abrar
Malo Gusto explains decision to join Chelsea from Olympique Lyon amidst Manchester United interest
Olympique Lyon star Malo Gusto, who is set to join Chelsea next summer, has explained why he signed for the Blues amidst interest from Manchester United.
The 19-year-old was close to making a move to the Old Trafford side. However, the Stamford Bridge side were successful in acquiring his services last month.
Erik ten Hag was keen on securing the right-back’s signature in order to bolster their backline. However, Graham Potter’s team spent £26 million in January to get a hold of him.
Speaking to TeleFoot (h/t Mirror), Gusto expressed his delight at becoming a Chelsea player. The 19-year-old held conversations with the Blues about the project.
“I’m happy to join Chelsea, it was almost last minute — was a good proposal, with a good project behind it. We spoke for months.”
The France U21 international made his way through the youth ranks at the Ligue 1 outfit. In the previous campaign, the right-back broke into Les Gones’ starting lineup and established himself as a regular.
In the current campaign, Gusto has once again been a key player for Lyon. Laurent Blanc has found some stability at the French outfit since his appointment earlier in the season.
United’s current right-backs are Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The Portugal international has pipped the former Crystal Palace star in the pecking order in recent months.
The 23-year-old has cemented his place in the starting lineup under Erik ten Hag. This season, the former FC Porto star has put in consistent displays. However, since the 2022 World Cup, the English national has shown his worth in the team.
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However, Wan-Bissaka will seemingly want more opportunities. Therefore, it remains to be seen what the 25-year-old’s future holds for him.
Gusto’s age and potential would have evidently made him a decent option to count on. Now, it will be interesting to see who the Old Trafford side will pursue.
