Chelsea star Cole Palmer has just been rewarded with a new contract after his excellent debut season at the club.
Cole Palmer put pen to paper on a two-year extension on Tuesday following a campaign where he was able to come up with 40 goal contributions for Chelsea.
Nicolas Jackson could be the next Chelsea player in line to be handed a new deal. He, too, had a good season after scoring 17 times in all competitions.
However, one of his teammates probably deserves to be rewarded with a contract extension and pay rise first.
Chelsea should offer Malo Gusto a new contract
After tying Palmer down to a new contract, Chelsea could hand Jackson a fresh deal. But if there is anyone who deserves longer terms and higher wages, then it is Malo Gusto.
Gusto was superb for the Blues last term, coming into the side to cover for Reece James, who spent most of the campaign out injured.
The right-back was a real attacking threat for Chelsea, managing to record nine assists in total.
As per FBref, Gusto has also ranked in the 96th percentile for progressive carries and the 92nd for touches in the opposition’s box among full-backs over the last year, so it is clear to see how offensive he can be.
Malo Gusto’s importance in the squad has gone up
When Gusto arrived at Chelsea, he was expected to be nothing more than a deputy for James.
However, with James unable to stay fit and sidelined once again because of injury and suspension, the 21-year-old has actually become quite an important player for the Blues.
Signing as a back-up option, his current contract is unlikely to reflect that, hence why he should probably be given a new one.
“Gusto has been outstanding. He has done brilliantly,” former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy said when speaking about Gusto back in June. If the France international does not get offered a new contract at some point in the near future, it would be a big surprise.
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