Chelsea are set to complete the signing of Lyon full-back Malo Gusto.
The two clubs have agreed a fee of around £26m but the 19-year-old will remain with the Ligue 1 side on loan for the rest of the season.
Gusto had been identified as the Blues’ leading choice to provide cover and competition for Reece James, who has seen his season decimated by injury so far.
Lyon had consistently stressed their intention to keep the teenager in France this season and have ensured manager Laurent Blanc will not be without such a key player for the rest of the campaign.
Gusto, who had already verbally agreed terms with the London giants, will now head for a medical before linking up with Chelsea at the end of the season and will be joined by compatriot Christopher Nkunku, with a £53m deal for the RB Leipzig forward agreed.
Despite spending almost £500m since May’s takeover, Chelsea remain interested in signing a midfielder during what remains of this month’s window.
Wolves star Matheus Nunes has emerged as a target after Everton’s Amadou Onana rejected an initial approach from the Blues.
