Malo Gusto's borrowed time at Chelsea looks to be coming to an end
After growing frustrated at limited game time under Xabi Alonso, France international Malo Gusto is open to leaving Chelsea.
Clubs such as Manchester City, AC Milan, Liverpool and Tottenham have all grown an interest in signing Gusto if he were to leave Stamford Bridge.
Gusto hasn't started a Premier League game since Chelsea's 2-2 draw against Hull on September 12, and has seemingly lost his place to Josh Acheampong whilst facing competition from new signing Marco Palestra.
The 23-year-old joined Chelsea from Lyon in 2023 for £26.3 million and was widely regarded as one of Europe's most promising young full-backs, praised for his athleticism and blistering pace whilst at his boyhood club.
With Reece James' injury issues, Gusto was signed as someone who could step in when the Englishman would be sidelined and be mentored by those around him, as the Frenchman was only 19 when he signed a seven-year deal under Mauricio Pochettino's management.
Under the Argentinian, Gusto struggled to adapt to the Premier League, but Pochettino emphasised the patience required for a teenager adjusting to English football.
[Malo Gusto's] really young but a great talent. Maybe tomorrow he'll have the possibility to play. When a 19-year-old came from a different league, he needs to adapt to a club like Chelsea, who compete to win. It's tough. We really believe in him.
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, now in charge of Manchester City, gave Gusto his longest run in the side, playing him 72 times during his year and a half at Stamford Bridge, but according to the BBC's Nizaar Kinsella, it remains unclear whether they retain an interest.
Chelsea's price tag for the 23-year-old, if they were to sell him, would be £75 million, the evaluation as in the summer when clubs were wanting his signature.
Gusto made his 100th Premier League appearance for Chelsea at the weekend during their 1-0 loss against Sunderland, playing 28 minutes in a productive cameo, but has only played 33 minutes across his last five Premier League matches, which is part of the reason why he is assessing his options.
The question is whether clubs are willing to pay Chelsea's somewhat high asking price for Gusto, and if the club wants to sell him.
