Manchester United monitor Malo Gusto as Chelsea role comes under scrutiny

Manchester United are considering an ambitious January approach for Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto, whose position at Stamford Bridge has come under pressure.

The 23-year-old France international joined Chelsea from Lyon for £30.7m in January 2023, when Graham Potter was manager, having been viewed as a major prospect at the time.

Gusto has since made 144 appearances in all competitions for the club and helped Chelsea win the Conference League and the Club World Cup. However, he has generally had to compete with captain Reece James for a place in the team whenever the England defender has been fit.

That competition has made it difficult for Gusto to establish a sustained run of matches. James’ latest injury, which is expected to keep him out until the new year, could have given Gusto the opportunity to secure regular football under new head coach Xabi Alonso.

However, Gusto has not started a Premier League match since September and is now thought to have fallen behind Josh Acheampong in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

Reports earlier this week said Gusto was “evaluating his options” and “open” to leaving Chelsea in search of a new challenge elsewhere.

According to the English newspaper Metro, the situation has alerted both Manchester clubs. Manchester United and Manchester City are said to be interested and monitoring developments in case an opportunity emerges.

Chelsea could demand a fee in the region of £75m before agreeing to sell Gusto.

Manchester clubs watching situation

Manchester City’s interest in Gusto is understood to date back some time. It was reported that manager Enzo Maresca was keen to reunite with the full-back when he took charge at the Etihad Stadium in the summer.

Gusto has three and a half years remaining on his current Chelsea contract.

Any potential move for either Manchester United or Manchester City would face complications during the January transfer window.