Chelsea are pursuing a deal to sign talented wing-back Malo Gusto from Lyon before the January transfer window closes, Fun9ja understands. The Blues have held preliminary talks with the Ligue 1 side who remain hopeful of keeping hold of Gusto until the summer transfer window.
Fun9ja understands that Chelsea have already agreed personal terms with Gusto ahead of a potential move to Stamford Bridge. Manchester United have also been linked with a move for the talented teenager, but Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has since released a statement regarding the 19-year-old’s future.
Reece James has missed a significant amount of games for the Blues through injury this season and is currently sidelined after aggravating a knee injury upon his return after the World Cup break. James is a crucial player in Graham Potter’s squad and the lack of a capable back-up has hampered Chelsea’s results in the 2022/23 campaign.
Lyon have set a £35million asking price for Gusto which is over double what the Blues were originally hoping to pay. Reports have suggested Chelsea will submit a fresh bid for the 19-year-old, but Fun9ja has taken a look at three potential alternatives that could be available for Todd Boehly to sign before the transfer window closes.
Spence has found game time hard to come by since completing a move to Tottenham last summer. The young right wing-back arrived at Hotspur Way with plenty of potential but is yet to show his quality under Antonio Conte.
Spurs have now given Spence the green light to leave the club on loan until the end of the season, Fun9ja understands. This may prove to be the perfect option for Chelsea.
The 22-year-old would benefit from Potter’s ability to develop talented youngsters into better players and could have more opportunities to play at Stamford Bridge given James’ injury woes. Spence would not need to adapt to a new city or position in the team, allowing him to focus on his football and development.
The young right wing-back has similar attributes to James in terms of his pace and attacking ability. Spurs may be reluctant to let Spence join a direct rival, but if the player wants to continue his development then Stamford Bridge may be the best place to do that at present.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Tariq Lamptey is one to watch in the final days of the transfer window. European clubs are informed of his situation as he could leave Brighton before deadline day.
Lamptey, formerly at Chelsea before leaving to join the Seagulls, could be an option for the Blues this month having previously worked under Potter. The Ghana international made just one appearance for the west Londoners, but may be set for a return three years after his initial departure.
Lyon have been linked with a move for Lamptey and Spence hinting that they are searching for replacements should Gusto complete a move to Stamford Bridge. The Brighton defender has plenty of Premier League experience and understands the club already making him an appealing option.
Pedro Porro
The Spaniard has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham and with Spence being allowed to leave, a deal is getting closer between Sporting and Spurs. Chelsea have shown they have the ability to hijack a rival’s transfer deal before with Mykhailo Mudryk’s arrival and Boehly may look to repeat this trick with Porro.
Sporting have made it clear that the defender will only leave if his £39million release clause is met. There is a frustration at the Spurs end over the speed of the negotiations, Fun9ja understands.
The Portuguese outfit have been linked with a move for Lamptey as Porro’s replacement. Chelsea have a number of options available to them in what could be a bit of a wing-back merry-go-round at the end of the transfer window.