Malo Gusto open to leaving Chelsea in January as minutes dry up under Alonso

Malo Gusto is open to leaving Chelsea in the January transfer window after falling down the pecking order under Xabi Alonso, according to BBC Sport.

The France right-back has not started a Premier League match in nearly two months. He has told the club his feelings, and the question now is whether Chelsea will sell and at what price.

What the BBC says about Malo Gusto

Chelsea reporter Nizaar Kinsella broke the story for BBC Sport. He says the 23-year-old is weighing up his options while he is away with France. Kinsella added on X that Gusto’s view “has been amicably communicated internally”.

The BBC says Chelsea’s position is not yet clear. However, the club were open to selling him in the summer and set a £75m asking price for interested clubs. TEAMtalk also reports that Gusto is ready to go and that Chelsea are open to a January exit.

Why Malo Gusto’s minutes have dried up

The numbers explain his frustration. Captain Reece James is injured, so the right-back place should have been there for the taking. Instead, Alonso has turned to academy graduate Josh Acheampong, with summer signing Marco Palestra also in the mix. Our Chelsea vs Man Utd player ratings show how settled that side of the defence has become.

TEAMtalk says Gusto has made only three Premier League starts this season, plus four appearances off the bench, for 308 minutes in total. It also reports that James is now out until the new year, yet Gusto still cannot force his way back in.

He came off the bench in the 1-0 defeat at Sunderland before the international break. It was his 100th Premier League appearance for Chelsea, and he has made 144 in all competitions. Read how he rated in our Sunderland vs Chelsea player ratings.

The lack of football matters at international level too. Zinedine Zidane left Gusto out of his first France squad in September. He is back this month only to cover for the injured Jules Koundé, with France facing Italy on Thursday and Turkey on Sunday.

Which clubs want Malo Gusto?

Manchester City are the obvious name. They were interested in the summer and are now managed by Enzo Maresca, who worked with Gusto at Chelsea. The BBC stresses it is unclear whether City still want him. TEAMtalk says they remain keen, but adds that City’s looming punishment could limit what they can do in January. Our guide to what happens next with Man City’s sanctions explains why.

TEAMtalk also says Liverpool and Tottenham asked about Gusto in the summer. Football Italia reports that Como are interested and Milan are monitoring him, with Atlético Madrid and RB Leipzig also watching. No bid has been reported.

The price question

Gusto joined from Lyon in 2023 for a reported £26.3m and is under contract until 2030, according to the BBC. That long deal leaves Chelsea in a strong position. A £75m price looked steep in the summer, though, and it looks steeper now that he is out of the side.

This one could run right up to the window. Chelsea have cover at right-back and Gusto wants to play. If a club meets a sensible price, a deal makes sense for everyone. We covered the last big Chelsea-linked saga in our Martin Zubimendi transfer report. For the latest moves, follow our Premier League news page.

FAQ

Does Malo Gusto want to leave Chelsea?
Yes. BBC Sport reports that he is open to a January move and has told the club his view.

How much do Chelsea want for Malo Gusto?
Chelsea set a £75m asking price in the summer, according to the BBC. It is not yet known whether that will drop in January.

When does Malo Gusto’s Chelsea contract end?
His contract runs until 2030.

Which clubs are interested in Malo Gusto?
Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham have been linked, along with Como, AC Milan, Atlético Madrid and RB Leipzig.