Liverpool are eyeing up a move for Malo Gusto according to former Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown.
Gusto arrived at Chelsea in the summer of 2023 from French side Lyon, although the deal was actually agreed in January of that year and he spent the second half of the season back on loan with the French side.
Given Reece James’ well documented injury issues, the 21-year-old has arguably been one of Chelsea’s most important signings under the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership.
Liverpool monitoring Gusto
Gusto has been a regular feature in Enzo Maresca’s starting line-up this season and the Frenchman has featured in 13 of the 16 league games, starting 11 of those.
With James currently on the sidelines again, the Blues were handed a major boost as academy talent Josh Acheampong signed a new four and a half year deal on Wednesday, with the 18-year-old right back set for a big future at the club.
Gusto is in just his second season at Chelsea, but Brown has claimed Liverpool are watching him as they make plans incase Trent Alexander-Arnold decides to leave on a free transfer next summer.
Malo Gusto fights for the ball. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Gusto has made 13 Premier League appearances this season. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
“Liverpool are putting plans in place for if they lose Trent Alexander-Arnold,” he told Football Insider.
“They have to have these conversations about where they’re going to go to find a replacement.
“They’ve got Conor Bradley, who has done exceptionally well when called upon, and he’s going to be an important part of their plans.
“But Gusto is very highly rated, and he’s one their scouts have been keeping an eye on this season.
“He’s not a nailed-on starter at Chelsea, either, because when Reece James comes back from injury, chances are he’ll be straight back into the side.
“So that gives Liverpool the chance to offer him first-team football, and they’ll believe that could be enough to tempt him into moving.
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Enzo Maresca remonstrates with a ref during a Conference League game. (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
“In that case, I can see them making a move for him come the end of the season.”
You can understand why Liverpool might be looking at Gusto given he’s one of the best right backs in Europe, but the chances of Chelsea selling him are slim and it seems unlikely Gusto would want to leave the club at this point.