Chelsea weigh shift in stance on defender
Chelsea are reportedly re-evaluating their valuation of Malo Gusto ahead of the January transfer window, with indications that the club may lower their £75 million asking price to facilitate a potential departure. According to reports from Flashscore, via journalist Dean Jones, the 23-year-old right-back could become more readily available when the market reopens as questions persist regarding his long-term role at Stamford Bridge. While the defender is under contract having joined the club on 30 June 2023, his recent omission from the France squad by Zinedine Zidane has underscored the need for consistent playing time to support his international aspirations.
During the summer 2026 window, Chelsea maintained a firm financial stance, demanding approximately £75 million for the France international. That figure proved prohibitive for several interested parties, including Manchester City, who opted against a deal after reviewing the cost. Liverpool also pursued the defender on deadline day, but their attempt to secure a loan move was rejected, with Chelsea insisting on either a permanent transfer or a binding commitment to purchase. As first reported by Fabrice Hawkins for CaughtOffside, the breakdown in these talks stemmed from Liverpool's inability to meet those permanent terms, a dynamic that remains relevant as the club now contemplates a more flexible approach to his valuation.
Tactical situation and international setbacks
Gusto’s current status at Chelsea has become a subject of increased focus under head coach Xabi Alonso. Although the defender has registered three Premier League starts this season, he faces significant competition for the right-back berth from Reece James and Marco Palestra. The tactical demands of Alonso’s system have drawn scrutiny, and the absence of clear, consistent defensive development has prompted internal discussions at the club regarding whether Gusto's progression is best served elsewhere.
His exclusion from the latest France squad by Zinedine Zidane has further complicated matters. Reports from FootballTransfers suggest that the national team manager has concerns over Gusto’s defensive reliability, a factor that may force the player to seek a move to a new environment to regain his standing. While Gusto is understood to prefer fighting for his place, the potential for a January exit is being framed as an opportunity to secure the status and responsibility required to revive his career prospects.
Market interest and potential suitors
Despite the lack of a completed transfer in the summer, interest in Gusto remains persistent across Europe. Atlético Madrid have previously explored a move for the defender, and other high-profile clubs, including Bayern Munich, Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur, and Paris Saint-Germain, have been linked with monitoring his situation. While no official bids have been confirmed by these clubs as the January window approaches, the potential lowering of Chelsea's asking price is seen as a key factor that could restart negotiations. The club’s decision will ultimately hinge on whether they prioritise squad continuity or a structured exit, with a definitive decision expected closer to the reopening of the transfer window in January 2027.
