“More than Reece James” – Liverpool transfer links shut down as Chelsea “delighted” with £26m defender | OneFootball

Malo Gusto has had something of a down season, considering the excellent start to his Chelsea career.

Enzo Maresca has been using him all over the pitch, and in a variety of roles, none of which really seem to suit the Frenchman as much as simply playing as an attacking full back down his preferred right side.

There have been links connecting the former Lyon man with really unlikely moves to Liverpool and Man City, which we never really took seriously. Despite a few struggles at times this season, he looks a great buy and a great squad member. There’s definitely tweaks to be made to his game and areas where he can improve, but he’s the sort of player we want to keep, not sell.

In an exclusive for the Chelsea Chronicle, journalist Graeme Bailey shot down the rumours wholeheartedly:

“I’ve seen the bits about Gusto being linked elsewhere. What I can say about that is there’s absolutely no thinking inside Chelsea that Gusto is going anywhere,” Bailey wrote.

“The improvement in him since he’s arrived has been spectacular and they could not be delighted with anyone more than Gusto. He’s gonna get his pay rise at some point in the near future. Quote me on this, to get Malo Gusto would cost more than Reece James.”

Gusto suffering for his own versatility – but a sale was never on the cards

Malo Gusto playing against Everton. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Gusto has had to play a lot this season and last because of Reece James’ endless injuries. Selling him would mean probably signing two new defenders given how many positions he’s covering. The way he’s been shifted around has not suited his game, but has been very useful for the team – and he shouldn’t be punished for his versatility.