Chelsea transfer news: Blues unsuccessful with opening bid for £35m defender
Chelsea have reportedly been unsuccessful with their opening bid for Lyon’s Malo Gusto.
According to Foot Mercato, the Blues have submitted an offer in the last few hours to sign the 19-year-old defender during the January transfer window.
The report explains that Lyon’s stance remains a firm no for now.
It is understood that Chelsea could return with another move this month by making an improved offer to try force Lyon into a sale.
This comes at a time when Graham Potter’s side have also been making attempts to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica. Record claims on the front page of today’s edition that Chelsea have made an offer for the 21-year-old midfielder.
Malo Gusto pursuit
According to the Daily Mail last month, French side Lyon would demand around £35million to let Gusto exit in the New Year.
There’s no line yet about how much Chelsea have put on the table for the teenage right-back, but the Blues have shown under the new ownership they’re prepared to splash the cash on promising young players.
Chelsea’s interest in the French full-back dates back to November, with Simon Phillips claiming at the time Graham Potter’s side were scouting the Lyon star.
Will we see another push from the Blues to sign the youngster before the January window shuts next week?
The fact Trevoh Chalobah has filled in as the right-back during the past couple of games just highlights the fact Chelsea really need to recruit another right-back.
Despite his youth, Gusto is already a first-team regular in Ligue 1 for Lyon.
If the young defender is willing to compete and challenge Reece James for a starting position, he could be a really shrewd mid-season signing.
Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.
