Malo Gusto is reportedly open to leaving Chelsea in the January transfer window.
Playing 27, 32 and 34 Premier League games in his first three seasons with Chelsea, Gusto made a reasonable start at Stamford Bridge and provided good competition for Cobham graduate Reece James.
Even in the more recent absence of James, the Frenchman has hardly had a look in under the stewardship of Xabi Alonso, however, starting just two of 10 top-flight games.
We take a look at which clubs could be interested in signing Gusto in the event that Chelsea sanction his exit in January.
Manchester City
Manchester City -- led by former Chelsea boss Enzo Mareca -- were the primary candidates to secure Gusto's signature in the event that the right-back was to leave West London in the summer, and there need for reinforcement in the area arguably remains.
Matheus Nunes -- who played 34 of 38 Premier League games for the Citizens last campaign -- has started just five times in the top-flight this term, while right-back alternative Rico Lewis is seemingly out of favour. This has seen Abdukodir Khusanov -- who is traditionally a central defender -- deployed on the right side of Man City's defence.
While playing a centre back at full-back is not uncommon in the modern day -- with Nathan Ake and John Stones playing the roles superbly under Pep Guardiola -- Maresca may desire a traditional, out and out right-back that suits his system, and one of whom he knows very well is Gusto.
Liverpool
Liverpool supporters have probably accepted that, unless he returns, they will never get another Trent Alexander-Arnold, and so exploring the market for right-backs with different skillsets is the way forward.
The two right-backs signed since Alexander-Arnold's departure, Jeremie Frimpong and Ronald Araujo, could not be any more different, and while the latter has enjoyed a fruitful start to life on Merseyside, he's a centre back by trade and only on loan. Meanwhile, it will likely take time before we see Conor Bradley back to his best, and even then the Northern Irishman doesn't boast the cleanest bill of health.
The Reds were reportedly quoted £75m when they expressed an interest in Gusto in the summer, and while it's likely that they're still unwilling to go that far to sign him just six months later, the Frenchman's willingness to leave could push the price down.
Manchester United
There are countless problems at Manchester United. From supporter discontent to frequent managerial changes, the list goes on. One glaring issue on the pitch comes at right-back.
While competent footballers at other levels, and maybe even passable squad players for the elite teams, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are not good enough to be starting right-backs for the Red Devils.
A lack of options across the back four has even seen Dalot play at left-back, Mazraoui play in central defence and Leny Yoro -- who the club signed as a central defender for £52.2m in 2024 -- shift across to right-back.
The right-back position simply has to be a priority in January, and Gusto -- who has made 100 Premier League appearances and caught the eye of Man City and Liverpool -- could fit the bill.
