“Last minute”- January arrival reveals what prompted him to make Chelsea switch

Malo Gusto describe his recent last-minute move to Chelsea in the January transfer window

Chelsea finally managed to find a backup for Reece James as they signed Malo Gusto from Olympique Lyonnais in a deal worth £26 million. The youngster is one of the best talents of his generation in Ligue 1 and landing him is a coup for the Blues.

It wasn’t a simple move though, as they only signed the youngster a few days before the January end of the transfer window. The Blues spent about £26 million acquiring him, add-ons included. But he was returned on loan to Lyon for the rest of the campaign.

Gusto talked with Chelsea when they expressed interest in the defender before making a last-minute move to West London. The right-back was speaking to Telefoot, as cited by FootMercato (via Football.London), and admitted that the Blues project pushed him to make a move.

“The transfer to Chelsea was a bit last minute, although I had been talking to them for some time. It was a good proposal with a good project behind it; that’s what influenced my choice.

“We are not where we should be! There is always a little apprehension. Chelsea is a very big club; I’m changing countries. “But when I sign, I know what to expect, and I sign to play and win.”

Chelsea star Reece James has been beset by injuries all season and could also do with competition at the right-back spot. Gusto provides more than just that and should be a long-term competitor for the English international.

Gusto has been a regular starter for the French side, making 17 appearances with one assist to his name in Ligue 1. The Premier League should prove to be more of a challenge and he will do well to hit the ground running.

However, we must wait for his return because he sustained a hamstring injury during a Coupe de France match. And It is anticipated that the player will recover quickly. But then it should matter little to us in the short term as he will arrive at the club in person only in the summer.

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We also hope that he will arrive at Stamford Bridge on time and in better physical condition. The right-back has been seen as a key member under Todd Boehly’s own plans for the Blues.