Todd Boehly is now a step closer towards completing the perfect rebuild at Chelsea after agreeing a deal to sign Lyon star Malo Gusto. The Blues have reached an agreement with the French outfit for the transfer of the 19-year-old defender, football.london understands.
Chelsea began talks with Lyon over the weekend before submitting an opening offer which was thought to be around €17million (£14.9million), but Laurent Blanc's side immediately turned that down. After plenty of negotiating, the two parties eventually reached an agreement which sees Gusto join the west Londoners for around £26.3million, plus add-ons.
But, the France youth international is set to stay at Lyon until the end of the season on loan. The signing of Gusto is a huge step in the right direction as Graham Potter looks to further implement his ideas at Chelsea.
READ MORE: Malo Gusto to Chelsea transfer: Behind the scenes as 'unofficial' bid made amid Lyon stance
However, the right-back isn't the final piece of the puzzle at Stamford Bridge — a new midfielder is. The Blues have been heavily linked with the likes of Benfica wonderkid Enzo Fernandez and Brighton star Moises Caicedo; either of whom would be sufficient acquisitions.
So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at how Chelsea could lineup next season if Boehly can complete one more transfer before the January transfer window deadline.
4-3-3
A front-three of Mykhailo Mudryk, Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke will be a sight to behold for Chelsea fans, especially under the stewardship of Potter. With such a strong frontline, Mason Mount will finally be granted some respite in the chance-creation department and, therefore, likely return to the advanced eight role in a three.
If Chelsea operate a back-four next season, opportunities might be hard to come by for Gusto with Reece James being such a pivotal feature in the starting lineup. So, it unlock the Blues' utmost attacking potential, maybe a back-three could be on the cards.
3-4-2-1
In a back-three, Potter will be able to use both James and Gusto — two very dangerous threats in the final third. To many, this setup may seem overly defensive but this shape will provide great width to Chelsea's play.
While Benoit Badiashile and Thiago Silva feature, Levi Colwill could very quickly assert himself in Chelsea's backline. By the end of next season, the young defender could be an integral feature.
4-2-3-1
This formation could be just as exciting, with Felix pulling the strings in the middle of the park. With £105million-rated Fernandez partnered with N'Golo Kante, Chelsea would have great balance.
The only problem with this formation is that the distance between the wingers and Nkunku, who is likely to lead the line, could be too big. Therefore, there would be a heavy reliance on Felix and the passing ranges of Fernandez, Chilwell and James if the Frenchman decides to run in behind.
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