Chelsea have announced the signing of French right-back Malo Gusto from Ligue 1 club Lyon in a deal worth €35 million, including €5 million in bonuses.
The 19-year-old signed a seven-and-a-half-year contract that will see him remain with the Blues until the summer of 2030 but he will spend the rest of the ongoing season on loan with Lyon.
Gusto is a vital part of the Lyon team that topped their UEFA Europa League group and are currently ninth in France’s top division.
The attacking full-back has just one assist in 15 appearances in Ligue 1 this season, but his explosiveness and technical ability on the ball caught Chelsea’s attention.
“I like the City of London and I’m very happy to come here,” he told the club’s media
“I chose Chelsea because it’s a very big club and I really like the project. So, like I said, I’m very happy to be here.”
Gusto would have alot to contend with if he’s to become a regular starter in Chelsea next season as Cobham graduate and arguably one of the best right backs in the world, Reece James, is the first choice at the Stamford Bridge.
The Lyon academy graduate is the seventh signing made by Todd Boehly and his consortium this January transfer window, after big money moves for Ukranian sensation Mykhailo Mudryk and French defender Benoit Badiashile.
Chelsea’s latest transfer business takes their winter window expenses past the £200 million mark, and it means they have now spent over £500 million on about 16 new players this season.
