Malo Gusto

Executive Summary

Malo Gusto, born 19 May 2003, is a right-back who has spent the last three seasons at Chelsea after coming through the Lyon academy. The French international arrived in January 2023 for a €30 million fee, returning to Lyon on loan for the remainder of that campaign before linking up permanently with the Blues in June 2023. Now under Xabi Alonso, he has started the opening three matches of the 2026‑27 season, deployed both as a right wing‑back and occasionally in central midfield. His contract runs until June 2030.

Playing Style and Key Attributes

Gusto’s game is built on athleticism and an attacking instinct that shows up in the numbers: nine goal contributions in 56 appearances last season, and a broader Chelsea return of three goals and 18 assists across 137 matches. He carries the ball forward with pace, links well in the final third and is comfortable inverting into midfield — a trait Alonso has exploited early on. Defensively he reads the game well for his size, though sources note there is still work to do on one‑on‑one discipline and positional awareness when caught high up the pitch.

Career and Recent Context

After progressing through Bourgoin‑Jallieu and the Lyon youth ranks — U17, U19 and the B team — Gusto broke into the Lyon first team in 2021. The move to Chelsea in early 2023 was structured as a permanent transfer with an immediate loan back, allowing him to finish the season in Ligue 1. The arrival of Alonso has not diminished his role; if anything, the new system’s emphasis on speed and high pressing suits his profile, and he has featured in every match so far this term.

Transfers and Outlook

The summer window brought concrete interest from Liverpool, who explored a loan with an option to buy but were rebuffed by Chelsea’s £75 million asking price and preference for a permanent sale. Tottenham, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Paris Saint‑Germain were also mentioned, while Atlético Madrid proposed a loan with an option that Gusto himself turned down, signalling a desire to stay and fight for his place. With a long‑term contract and the manager’s trust, the immediate outlook is stability, though the volume of suitors suggests the situation could be revisited in January or next summer if his minutes drop.