Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed that Chelsea won’t be signing Malo Gusto before the end of the January transfer window.
Chelsea are looking for a new right-back to compete with Reece James, who is recovering from a knee injury.
Chelsea identified Gusto as their top target, and reports this week claimed that the club has already agreed personal terms with the 19-year-old.
Lyon rejected Chelsea’s opening bid of £25 million, but the Premier League club was expected to counter with a higher offer before the end of the window.
However, Aulas has confirmed that Gusto will remain at Lyon until the end of the season at the very least.
“I can confirm that Malo [Gusto], a great hope for Lyon, will stay here at least until the end of the season,” Aulas told L’Equipe on Thursday.
Despite his contract status and desire to leave, Lyon have no intention of letting Gusto go cheap.
Aulas’ comments are thought to be intended to drive up the price, with OL reportedly seeking more than £25 million to part with the talented youngster, who has also been watched by Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Barcelona in recent months.
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With those clubs’ interests in mind, one reasonable option is for Chelsea to sign a deal and loan him to the Ligue 1 club until the summer. Despite the club’s current Premier League struggles (they currently sit 10th in the table), Graham Potter is desperate to bring in someone immediately.
Gusto made his debut for Les Gones at the age of 17, and the teenager has already made 54 senior appearances.
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