Latest: Chelsea ready to hand regular starter new contract after “several top clubs” tried to buy him | OneFootball

Chelsea are interested in extending Malo Gusto’s contract, a report from RMC Sport in France has claimed today.

Fabrice Hawkins writes that the Blues are thinking of extending his deal and giving him a pay rise to “reflect the French full back’s increased status.

Gusto’s current deal runs until 2030, so there is no rush on Chelsea’s end. They just want to reward a player they apparently see as an important part of their future.

“The club’s management is now taking note of Malo Gusto’s performances,” the piece claims. It’s also noted that “several top clubs” were keen to buy Gusto last summer, and that this deal would help ward them off.

Gusto remains a controversial figure – but a useful one

Malo Gusto with a Chelsea news logo. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Gusto certainly has an important role to play as Reece James’ primary backup, and we’ve even seen him playing in midfield this year. But he’s a funny player, and that’s reflected in the mixed reaction to this news.

To some he’s a handy squad player with some exceptional attributes who is useful to have around. To others he’s not at the right level even to be a backup, assuming he’s playing at least once a week. Certainly his form has never matched the potential we saw in his first few months – but we can also see why the club would be happy to sign him up.

It will be interesting to see how his form goes in the rest of this campaign.

In other news…

Gusto isn’t the only defender Chelsea have in mind right now. They’ve also been linked with a couple who are out of contract next summer.

In good news today, Eden Hazard has today been inducted into the Premier League hall of fame, joining a lineup of the league’s best and brightest.