Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas insists that Malo Gusto will stay in France until the summer ‘at least’ amid interest from Premier League giants Arsenal, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, writing on Twitter.
There are shades of Trent Alexander-Arnold about the latest baby-faced graduate from Lyon’s esteemed academy. Adventurous, attack-minded and blessed with devilish delivery from the right-hand side, Gusto is the sort of full-back centre-forwards dream of.
Only four players in France’s Ligue 1 average more than his 1.9 crosses per game (WhoScored). What’s more, Gusto produced more assists in his first 50 senior appearances (six) than Alexander-Arnold did in his own half-century.
No wonder Europe’s biggest and brightest are forming a disorderly queue.
Tottenham, Arsenal, Newcastle and Chelsea like Lyon’s Malo Gusto
According to L’Equipe, Gusto’s name is on a list of transfer targets longer than the Great Wall of China at Chelsea; Todd Boehly’s talent-hoarding London giants offering £20 million for the teenager.
Lyon want closer to £25 million, however; Arsenal, Tottenham, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich also among Gusto’s many admirers. Both Arsenal and Spurs are prioritising a talented, forward-thinking young right-back. The London rivals could go all-in on Gusto if respective deals for Ivan Fresneda and Pedro Porro fail to materialise.
Newcastle, FootMercato add, are readying a ‘very big offer’ of their own.
But, even if Newcastle, Chelsea or anyone else hits the magic number of £25 million before next week’s deadline, the always-outspoken Aulas insists that Gusto will not be going anywhere until the season comes to an end.
“I have the pleasure to explain that Malo Gusto, one of Lyon’s big talents, will continue to play for Lyon until at least June 30th, 2023,” Aulas claims.
By the summer, however, Gusto will have just 12 months left on his contract. ESPN believes the France U21 international has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea. Though Lyon’s reluctance to cash in leaves the door wide open for Arsenal, Newcastle and co to hold their own negotiations.
“I am a player who likes to go forward. Who makes an effort, who likes to tackle and defend too,” Gusto tells Onze Mondial. “Even though I have to keep working on that. I am generous both defensively and offensively.”
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