Liverpool could reportedly be handed a fresh opportunity to pursue Chelsea defender Malo Gusto in the January transfer window, having reportedly been interested in the summer
Xabi Alonso, Head Coach of Chelsea before the Premier League 2026/27 match against Sunderland
Xabi Alonso is open to selling a reported Liverpool target this summer(Image: Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Liverpool has been handed a potential boost in its pursuit of Chelsea defender Malo Gusto, if the latest reports are anything to go by.
The Reds were among a handful of clubs tentatively linked with the Frenchman back in the summer. However, a move never transpired, and he instead remained at Stamford Bridge in an attempt to get his career back on track.
Despite injuries at right back, with Conor Bradley still sidelined and Jeremie Frimpong unable to stay fit, Andoni Iraola has predominantly used loan signing Ronald Araujo in the position this season. The Uruguayan has impressed in the role, having already achieved cult hero status at the club, but his long-term future should be viewed at center back.
Now, Gusto's situation appears to be up in the air again as the January window quickly approaches. The 23-year-old's possible availability may well alert the likes of Liverpool and other interested clubs over the coming weeks.
According to TEAMtalk, Gusto is ready to leave Stamford Bridge as soon as the next transfer window opens. It has also been claimed Chelsea is open to parting ways with the defender, given he has slipped down the pecking order under Xabi Alonso.
Although Reece James is the preferred option at Chelsea, his recurring injuries have meant Alonso has also had to get creative with his options. Marco Palestra was signed in the summer, while academy graduate Josh Acheampong has proved to be a suitable option in the role.
Liverpool is not the only club rumored to be interested, however, as Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Como and RB Leipzig were all linked in the summer. Tottenham and Manchester City were also credited with interest, although the latter's ability to sign players in the upcoming transfer window will likely be determined by the outcome of its appeal regarding the charges lodged against the club.
Malo Gusto of Chelsea looks on before the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match against Liverpool
Liverpool were among the clubs liknked with Chelsea's Malo Gusto in the summer(Image: Photo by Lewis Storey CFC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Gusto initially signed for Chelsea midway through the 2022/23 season, although he spent the remainder of that campaign on loan at Lyon. Since then, he has amassed just shy of 150 appearances across all competitions, scored three goals and registered 18 assists.
This season, however, Gusto has made just three Premier League starts under Alonso, with the majority of his appearances coming in the Carabao Cup. He has registered just one assist this term, which came in the cup competition when Chelsea faced Luton Town back in August.
By comparison, Gusto made 26 Premier League starts last season and a further eight appearances off the bench. Across all competitions, he scored three goals and registered five assists.
The price tag Chelsea may place on the player has not yet been reported. That said, given his deal runs until the end of the 2029/30 season, the London club certainly has every reason to demand a hefty fee, regardless of his lack of regular minutes.