Chelsea plan to offer ‘increasingly solid’ Malo Gusto a new deal | OneFootball

Chelsea are planning to offer defender Malo Gusto a new contract as they look to secure his future at Stamford Bridge, according to RMC Sport.

The Chelsea right-back has looked ‘increasingly solid’ for the Blues, and they want to reward him for his performance.

Chelsea are looking to extend his deal beyond 2030 and give him a ‘significant pay rise’.

Signed at the beginning of the 2023/24 season to deputise for captain Reece James, he proved pivotal for the West Londoners.

His performances dropped off last season, but he remained integral as Chelsea won the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup.

James is back and performing at a high level, but Gusto is still key, offering thrust from right-back while improving immensely in the inverted role.

He is a mainstay in the first team, making 11 appearances this season. The 22-year-old has played himself into the France international squad, earning six caps for Les Bleus.

Reports from German media earlier this year suggested that Bayern Munich were closely monitoring Gusto, viewing him as a potential long-term option at right-back.

However, Chelsea’s plan to hand the Frenchman a lucrative new deal should put an end to any hopes the Bavarians have of luring him away.

The move reflects just how valuable Gusto has become at Stamford Bridge.

He remains one of the most underrated young defenders in Europe, a player whose blend of athleticism, composure, and tactical maturity has often gone under the radar.

His ability to balance attacking intent with defensive discipline makes him a perfect fit for Chelsea’s evolving system.

He has his bad days, but there are definitely more great ones.

With James rediscovering form, Gusto’s presence gives the Blues enviable depth on the right flank.

There’s every reason to believe he will be a cornerstone of their defence for years to come.