Chelsea agree to sign Malo Gusto for £26.3M as defender set to spend remainder of season at Lyon

Chelsea and Lyon have agreed for the transfer of Malo Gusto, with the defender set to spend the remainder of the season on loan in France, according to the reports.

This comes as Chelsea were in the market for a right-back to provide competition to Reece James, who has spent a spell on the sidelines this season.

Gusto was believed to be priority target for the position as the Blues were seeking a transfer in January.

However, Lyon were reluctant to let the defender leave during the January transfer window with head coach Laurent Blanc publicly denying a winter departure.

It has now been revealed that Chelsea have come to an agreement with the Ligue 1 side as Gusto is set to sign for the club but will remain on loan at Lyon.

As reported by Fabrice Hawkins of French news outlet RMC Sport, an agreement has been reached.

He wrote: “Chelsea and OL have reached an agreement for the transfer of Malo Gusto.”

Hawkins continued to report that Gusto will sign for Chelsea in January but finish the season with Lyon.

He is set to complete a medical ahead of the move before returning to Lyon on loan until June.

An agreement has been reached and David Ornstein of the Athletic has since reported that the Blues will pay an initial £26.3 million fee, with further add-ons to come.

Graham Potter appears to have secured his long-term target but it remains to be seen as to what the future holds for Cesar Azpilicueta.

Despite netting a two-year contract extension in the summer, Azpilicueta will now likely be the third choice right-back after the arrival of Gusto.

The Chelsea captain will no doubt see the season out at Stamford Bridge but the arrival of the Frenchman could see Azpilicueta’s long-term future in doubt.

Barcelona had been heavily linked with a move for the veteran last summer and could revive their interest.

But for now, Gusto will remain with Lyon until he joins his new Chelsea teammates in the summer.