Chelsea have reached an agreement with Lyon to sign right-back Malo Gusto, football.london understands.
On Friday evening, the Blues finally made a breakthrough for the 19-year-old defender. Chelsea will pay Lyon €30million (£26.3million) – with add-ons – to sign Gusto once the season is over.
It is understood Lyon were determined to keep Gusto beyond this month, but with the defender wanting the move, their hand was forced somewhat. Chelsea have showcased – with their six signings so far – this month that they will pay what it takes to secure key targets to improve Graham Potter's squad.
READ MORE: Chelsea reach £26.3m agreement for Malo Gusto transfer as Blues close in on seventh January deal
Chelsea scoured the market this month to sign a right-back to offer support and competition to Reece James. The England international has missed so much of the season already due to injury and the Blues look like a completely different side when he is absent.
Lyon's stubborn stance means Chelsea couldn't get Gusto this season, but he is rated so highly by the west Londoners that they would rather strike a deal like this one, where he doesn't join until the summer, than sign any right-back for the remainder of the season. There's a genuine belief at Chelsea that they will be signing a young right-back who has the potential to become world-class.
So, with that said, how will Chelsea line up with Gusto in the side next season? football.london takes a look below.
How could Chelsea line up with Malo Gusto?
Chelsea's search for a new right-back has not been straightforward. The reason being is anyone who comes to Stamford Bridge has essentially got to accept that they will need to be really patient. When James is fit, he is as good as guaranteed to be Potter's first-choice at right-back.
Gusto will be aware of this but he still wants to make the move to the club, which is brilliant for Chelsea supporters to see. With James' recent injury record, though, there are bound to be chances for Gusto in the first-team.
A back-four (see above), with a fit Ben Chilwell, the impressive Benoit Badiashile and the sublime Thiago Silva (should a new contract extension be agreed), with Gusto alongside him. The experience and tactical nous of Silva could really benefit the energy and fearlessness of Gusto.
Equally, the positions Gusto takes up on the pitch in a back-four for Lyon means theoretically he should easily be able to adapt to a wing-back role in a three-back formation. This would see the return of the injured Wesley Fofana, but there is another option for the right centre-back role.
It is of course James – and this is the only way the Chelsea right-back and Gusto would get into the side together. James has played as the right centre-back before, but it does of course limit him in offensive areas. When he plays as the right wing-back he is free to express himself more and not restricted to defending.
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