Chelsea are closing in on sealing January transfer number seven with Lyon right-back Malo Gusto seen as the ideal alternative to Reece James. A back-up option in the position of James has been a priority for a number of windows given his recent injuries, and football.london understands personal terms have already been agreed for the teenager.
Despite not yet signing a new right-back or central midfielder, the Blues have agreed moves for six players in January, with Noni Madueke as the latest signing through the door following Mykhailo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, Joao Felix, Andrey Santos and David Datro Fofana.
According to Santi Aouna, an opening bid of €20million (£17.6million) was rejected by Lyon for Gusto, but Chelsea are expected to go back into negotiations for the 19-year-old with a second offer between €30-40million (£26.5-35.3million).
