Malo Gusto signs for Chelsea until 2030, returns to Lyon for rest of 2022/23 campaign

Chelsea have completed their seventh signing of the January transfer window after the acquisition of Malo Gusto.

The 19-year-old has signed a seven-and-a-half-year contract at Chelsea after a £30 million deal including add-ons was agreed with Lyon.

As part of the agreement, Gusto will spend the remainder of the current season on loan at Lyon before joining up with Graham Potter and his new teammates in the summer ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Following the completion of the deal, Gusto said: “I play right-back, I’m a fast player, crosser and box-to-box.

“I like the city. I am really, really happy to come here.

“I choose Chelsea because it’s a very big club and I very like the big project. Very happy to be here. See you soon.”

Chelsea were keen to add a wing-back cover and competition on the right side for Reece James, who has struggled with injuries and due to make his return next Friday against Fulham following a knee injury.

Gusto is the club’s seventh signing of the January window after deals for David Datro Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Andrey Santos, Joao Felix (loan), Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke were all completed earlier this month.

Lyon were adamant no deal would be agreed to allow Gusto to join Chelsea mid-season unless he was loaned back to the Ligue 1 outfit.

President Jean-Michel Aulas said earlier this week:  “I have the pleasure to confirm the team on KTE but also to specify that Malo, a great hope of the OL, will continue to play with the OL at least until 30/06/23.”

Chelsea are still hoping to sign a midfielder before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, with both Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez targeted.