CHELSEA have signed Lyon full-back Malo Gusto on a deal that runs until 2030.
The Blues had been in hot pursuit of the the 19-year-old for weeks as they looked for more cover on the right for Reece James.
Gusto has been signed for in a £31m deal but will be loaned back to Lyon for the rest of the season.
The deal is the SEVENTH transfer Chelsea have pulled off in their frantic January window – with the deals now totalling an incredible £222m.
Malo arrived in London to do his medical yesterday after Chelsea managed to strike a deal with reluctant Lyon chiefs.
Now the 19-year-old has put pen to paper to give Blues fans another new signing to get excited about.
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Speaking on Chelsea’s social media channels, Gusto said: “I like this city and I’m really, really happy to come here.
“I chose Chelsea because it is a very big club and I really like the project.
“I’m very happy to be here. Thank you for your messages. See you soon.”
He adds that he is “a fast player, a crosser and box-to-box.”
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The highly-rated defender already played 54 matches for Lyon, registering six assists during that period.
And his arrival ahead of next season will see him provide some much-needed cover for James, who’s missed much of this campaign with two separate knee injuries.
James has endured long spells on the sidelines, forcing him to miss more than 15 matches in all competitions.
But the England star is in contention to return for Chelsea’s next game against Fulham on Friday.
Gusto follows Myhkailo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos and Noni Madueke in signing for the Blues this month.
Along with the cost of Joao Felix’s loan deal, Chelsea’s spending has now far outpaced their rivals this month.
The Stamford Bridge hierarchy will be hoping the new names can spark a turnaround of fortunes on the pitch.
Chelsea sit 10th after 20 Premier League games with a 10 point gap to a Champions League position.
After exits in the EFL Cup and FA Cup to Manchester City, the Champions League is now the only trophy Potter can win in his opening season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
