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).
READ MORE: Malo Gusto to Chelsea transfer: Tariq Lamptey impact, Personal terms agreed, Man United interest
Although it could be argued Chelsea do not need Gusto immediately, given the plan set in place for the return of Reece James, he would provide more than adequate depth and cover to the Englishman. His arrival would also allow James to slowly get back up to match sharpness without Graham Potter greatly missing a constant threat on the right-hand side.
Most of the deals completed in the winter window by the Blues have been done swiftly, however there are a couple of key reasons as to why that has not been the case for Gusto. Lyon's stance on receiving an appropriate fee to allow a player to depart mid-season is of course one, but the French outfit are also hopeful of another favourable term.
To sanction a transfer, Lyon want Gusto back on loan until the end of the season. While this would guarantee more minutes for the full-back, Chelsea likely want to integrate him into the squad as soon as possible. The decision being made on this is currently unclear and because of this, Lyon have drafted up a shortlist of potential replacements.
Real Valladolid star Ivan Fresneda, who is a top target of Arsenal, has been considered and the latest option has been identified as Tottenham's Djed Spence. With the summer arrival not getting many first-team minutes under Antonio Conte, Spence has been made available for loan, with Lyon now making an enquiry, as per Mail Online.
Chelsea's London rivals sanctioning that move would likely speed up the final negotiations for Gusto as Lyon's request for an immediate loan back would no longer be needed as they would have a temporary replacement.
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