It seems Manchester United are about to do Chelsea a Chelsea. The Blues have been busy hijacking their rivals’ transfer target, with highly-rated winger Mykhaylo Mudryk snatched away from Arsenal for £88m, and same done with Joao Felix, who was open to join the Gunners on a loan deal before Chelsea swooped in for him. However, Chelsea could get a taste of their own medicine, with Manchester United now entering the race to sign one of the transfer targets.
Chelsea have already spent £161m in this transfer window, bringing a staggering six players to reinforce Graham Potter’s injury laden squad. However, their strategy particularly has lied in buying young talents from across the world, with an eye on the future as well along with the present. Lyon right-back Malo Gusto is their next target, with United too now wanting the 19-year-old this month according to RMC Sport.
Malo prefers Chelsea over Manchester United
Gusto Malo finds himself on Chelsea’s wishlist after delivering some stunning and consistent performances since making his first-tam debut last season. He has since made 54 appearances for the French side, providing 7 assists. However, there’s more to it than the mere numbers as Gusto is as solid defensively as fierce and sharp he is in attacking play.
The full-back has featured in 15 of Lyon’s 19 league games this season, racking up 2.1 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 0.9 clearances per game in defense. While he may have registered only an assist across those 15 games, Gusto has recorded 2.6 shot-creating actions, 1.6 touches in the attacking penalty box, 1.4 chances created and 1.1 dribbles per game. Enough for a teenaged full-back to attract interest from Chelsea, and now Manchester United.
United boss Erik ten Hag is keen on adding the young and raw Gusto to his squad, which is fragile on right flank. Ten Hag’s current two options in the right-back position are Diogo Dalot, who is the first-choice but is sidelined with an injury, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is covering for the Portuguese. The United boss is apparently more than happy with Dalot’s output so far this season, but is as much frustrated at Wan Bissaka’s poor showing.
Although the former Crystal Palace full-back recently delivered some decent displays, reality hit him against Arsenal as the Gunners’ winger on his side, Gabriel Martinelli walked over him, followed by problems created by substitute Leandro Trossard. Ten Hag has decided there’s no relying on Wan Bissaka and has reportedly told the to sold him in the summer, and recruit Gusto this month.
However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Gusto prefers Chelsea and has even agreed personal terms on a long-term contract for a move. But Lyon do not want to sell their prized asset yet, as they feel he is too important a player to leave now. The French club have also rejected the Blues’ opening bid, who are still pushing to seal a deal in the coming days, adds Romano. While Manchester United’s chances are slim here, Ten Hag has reportedly kept a backup plan ready in fellow countryman and Inter right-back Denzel Dumfries as per multiple reports.