Malo Gusto is reportedly open to leaving Chelsea in the upcoming January transfer window, a stark contrast to his decision to stay with the club last summer despite significant interest and a high valuation.
The 23-year-old French full-back has struggled to secure consistent playing time under manager Xabi Alonso this season, accumulating just 307 minutes in the Premier League. Gusto was previously a favored player of Enzo Maresca during his tenure at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester City and Liverpool were among the clubs monitoring Gusto's situation last summer. Liverpool reportedly inquired about him on deadline day, while Manchester City had also shown interest. However, Chelsea's substantial asking price of £75 million, reported by Daily Mail Sport in mid-June, ultimately deterred potential suitors. Club sources at the time maintained that Gusto was not actively being pushed towards a departure, despite the club's £47 million acquisition of Marco Palestra from Atalanta.
Further competition for the right-back position has emerged with the increased involvement of academy graduate Josh Acheampong. Additionally, club captain Reece James remains sidelined through injury.
In Chelsea's last six Premier League fixtures, Gusto has either remained an unused substitute or has only featured in the second half. His last league start was two months ago.
Malo Gusto: Minutes played 307, clean sheets 0, goals and assists 0. Average match rating 6.77. Josh Acheampong: Minutes played 501, clean sheets 2, goals and assists 0. Average match rating: 6.85. Marco Palestra: Minutes played 180, clean sheets 2, goals and assists 0. Average match rating: 6.34.
Gusto recently earned his 100th Premier League appearance in Chelsea's 1-0 defeat at Sunderland, coming on as a second-half substitute. He is currently with the French national team for their Nations League fixtures against Italy and Turkey.
Signed from Lyon in 2023 for £26.3 million, Gusto is under contract with Chelsea until 2030. It remains uncertain whether Chelsea would still demand the same high valuation should he pursue a transfer in January.