It was on the afternoon of January 26 that Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas posted a warning on social media over the future of talented full-back Malo Gusto. Negotiations with Chelsea had taken place regarding a deal for the 19-year-old but no agreement had been reached.
"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 30, 2023," Aulas wrote on Twitter. It was a defiant statement but one which tactfully left the door ajar for Chelsea, who completed the signing of Gusto three days later.
The France Under-21 international agreed a contract until 2030 and joined the Blues in a deal worth around £26million. Yet Aulas stayed true to his word with Gusto loaned back to the Ligue 1 side for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign.
