Why Real Madrid’s transfer pursuit of Trent Alexander-Arnold is great news for Chelsea, it prevents nightmare scenario

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On the surface, Real Madrid’s pursuit of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is very good news for Chelsea.

Chelsea have been trying to compete with Liverpool this season and will want to continue to do so in the future. Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the Reds’ best players, so them losing him could help the Blues close the gap between the two sides.

But there is also another reason why Chelsea should be desperate for Real Madrid to sign the right-back this year.

The Spanish giants doing so would prevent Malo Gusto from becoming an option for them.

• READ MORE: Enzo Maresca needs to stop playing ‘fantastic’ Chelsea man in unfamiliar role

Real Madrid have had past interest in Malo Gusto

Real Madrid may want Alexander-Arnold now, but there was a time where they reportedly looked at Gusto.

Before his move to Stamford Bridge, according to Defensa Central, Los Blancos were interested in signing the 21-year-old from Lyon.

A transfer never materialised in the end, though, and Gusto went on to join Chelsea in 2023.

Since his move to west London, Chelsea have been delighted with Gusto’s development. Their decision to bring him in has been fully justified.

Malo Gusto has a bright future at Chelsea

Chelsea losing Gusto would be a disaster, which is why Real Madrid targeting Alexander-Arnold is good news for them. Again, if Real Madrid can pull that signing off, then Chelsea will not have to worry about the La Liga outfit reviving their interest in the Frenchman.

The Blues need Gusto, especially with all of Reece James’ injury problems. Maresca has used Axel Disasi at right-back at times this season, but that experiment has never worked.

The 26-year-old has not been great in the current campaign, with it being his terrible pass that led to Ipswich’s second goal on Monday.

Simply put, Chelsea look so much better with Gusto in the team. He is still getting used to playing as a full-back under Maresca, which is a lot different to playing as a full-back under Mauricio Pochettino.

The France international is having to invert into midfield at times, limiting his opportunities to offer a threat out wide with his dribbling and crossing. But Gusto still remains a very useful player and at 21, he could have a bright future at the club. It is why they need to keep hold of the former Lyon man.