Chelsea Defender Makes Transfer Decision Amid Late Atletico Madrid Loan Interest
· Yahoo Sports
Chelsea defender Malo Gusto has decided he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge this season despite interest from Atletico Madrid.
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Earlier this summer, Gusto was on Chelsea's list of players they were willing to sell if a suitable offer arrived.
The arrival of Marco Palestra, who joined Chelsea from Italian club Atalanta for £47 million, threw Gusto’s role in Xabi Alonso’s squad into question, especially since Reece James can also play at right-back and is ahead of the Frenchman in the pecking order.
Gusto attracted interest from Manchester City and several other clubs, but nothing materialised beyond enquiries. Chelsea’s £75m asking price for the 23-year-old was deemed too steep for these potential suitors.
However, there has been a big change at Chelsea that significantly affects Gusto, namely Alonso’s tactical switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation.
Instead of a right-back, Alonso now needs a wing-back. James, who has struggled with hamstring injuries in recent years, is not the most suited for the role.
Palestra’s injury absence has also benefited Gusto, and so has his versatility. The France international has started in each of Chelsea’s first three games of the season, twice at right wing-back and once in midfield against Brighton on Sunday.
As it stands, Gusto competes with Palestra, Pedro Neto, and maybe Geovany Quenda for the right wing-back spot and may provide cover in midfield. He is arguably in a better situation than having to compete with James at right-back.
Atletico Madrid interested in loan with an option to buyAccording to French outlet L’Equipe, Atletico have made an attempt to sign Gusto by making enquiries for a loan with an unspecified buy-option clause.
The Spanish club’s approach is reported to have been turned down by Gusto himself, who does not wish to leave on loan this season.
This makes a lot of sense. The former Lyon defender is in a good spot at Chelsea, so there is very little incentive to leave.
It remains unclear whether Gusto will still be a regular starter once Palestra returns, but it is worth noting that, despite naturally being a right-back, the latter mostly played as a left wing-back during pre-season.
So, there is a possibility that Palestra may play on the left, competing with Jorrel Hato and fellow summer signing Pep Chavarria for the post.
It also seems likely that Chelsea would approve Gusto’s exit on deadline day, which would severely limit the prospect of bringing in a replacement if needed, at least not without a huge financial incentive.