One of Chelsea’s best performing players from last season has been a victim of the new manager’s system this season, and is struggling to impress nearly as much.
Malo Gusto was right in contention as one of Chelsea’s most impressive players during his first campaign at the club. Cole Palmer even voted Gusto as Player of the Season.
Now though, he has seen his role change from overlapping full-back under Mauricio Pochettino to a more inverted position under the leadership of Enzo Maresca.
Gusto has struggled of late, however is still finding himself a regular in the side even though Reece James has proven his fitness for a few months consecutively.
The Frenchman’s blushes were saved in the defeat to Aston Villa, where a huge Filip Jorgensen error overshadowed what was a very poor performance at right-back.
Malo Gusto set to be offered new contract by Chelsea
There was talk earlier this season that Gusto’s contract could be extended soon, in a similar fashion to how Palmer and Nicolas Jackson triggered extensions following their great form.
That hasn’t occured yet, and even though he has a deal that currently lasts until 2030, Gusto is one of the lowest paid Chelsea players at the moment.
Graeme Bailey has claimed he is convinced that the new deal will occur, although the Blues will be looking around in the transfer market for a new full-back option.
He exclusively told The Chelsea Chronicle: “He’s proven he is a huge part of the squad. I firmly believe that will get done [contract extension]. It’s too far to say he’s essential, but they’d struggle if he wasn’t there.
“The right-back situation is interesting. Do we see another one come in? I still think we do see a full-back come in. Let’s keep an eye on that, but I do expect Gusto’s new deal soon.”
Potential new Chelsea full-backs
With Chelsea expected to be busy in the summer, a number of names have cropped up as potential targets to come in and play in either full-back role.
Jules Kounde is a long-term target of the club, and even though they missed out on signing him to Barcelona, he remains a dream signing for the Blues.
Chelsea were frontrunners in January for Jorrel Hato, a player who has impressed greatly at Ajax and fits the model of young players with plenty of potential who could move to Stamford Bridge.
With Renato Veiga’s future unclear though, there may be more of an appetite to strengthen the opposite side, with Marc Cucurella the only recognised option.
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