Incoming Chelsea signing explains why he chose Blues after Man Utd transfer plea

12 February 2023 , 23:49

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Chelsea have secured the signing of Malo Gusto (Image: Getty Images)

Chelsea's January addition Malo Gusto came close to joining the Blues' Premier Leauge rivals Manchester United, but has since explained why he favoured a move to West London.

Under the ownership of Todd Boehly, Chelsea enjoyed a record-breaking January transfer window and spent £323million in the process. £26m of that eye-watering figure went on Lyon right Gusto, who will spend the remainder of the season with the French outfit before starting his new chapter at Stamford Bridge next summer.

Erik ten Hag's side were thought to be very keen on the prospect of enticing Gusto to Old Trafford, especially given their own struggles at right-back in recent seasons.

While both of their current options in Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot do a job, both certainly have a technical ceiling and Ten Hag is seemingly keen on raising the bar at right-back sooner rather than later.

19-year-old Gusto was viewed as the player to do that and at one stage a move to United seemed close, but he has since explained what it was about Chelsea that made the switch so appealing.

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

Gusto shed light on how the transfer unfolded while speaking to TeleFoot, claiming: "I’m happy to join Chelsea, it was almost last minute — was a good proposal, with a good project behind it. We spoke for months.

Malo Gusto has been confirmed as a Chelsea player and will link up with the Blues in the summer (Getty Images)

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"Chelsea are very big club. I know what to expect, and I sign to play and impose myself there.

"We are not where we should be! There is always a little apprehension. Chelsea is a very big club, I'm changing countries. But when I sign, I know what to expect, and I sign to play and win."

Some may question why Gusto was so keen to join the Blues when they already boast one of the best right-backs in the world in Reece James.

With that being said, the England ace has desperately struggled to maintain fitness in recent months and as a result Gusto may feel there will be a window to stake his claim for a place soon enough.

With that being said, Gusto has also had his own fitness problems of late and Lyon boss Laurent Blanc told L'Equipe how it has impacted the teenager both physically and mentally.

"It's a pain he's been feeling for some time," the Lyon manager revealed. "It's not a big problem, but it bothers him physically and mentally. We will try to treat him well... I don't think it will take too long, but it has to be done."

Josh O'Brien