€90m star makes bold Chelsea transfer decision

Chelsea defender Malo Gusto is reportedly determined to remain at Stamford Bridge next year despite uncertainty surrounding his role under head coach Xabi Alonso. The French international is said to be focused on regaining his place in the team rather than pursuing an immediate transfer, even as competition for the right-back position continues to increase.

FootballTransfers reported the development on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, noting that Gusto remains keen to establish himself as a regular starter for Chelsea. However, his position has become less secure following a difficult period of form and the arrival of additional options capable of operating on the right side of the defence.

The 23-year-old joined Chelsea from Lyon in 2023 and has since contributed to the club’s defensive options. Nevertheless, his performances have reportedly dipped over the past year, while his involvement at the beginning of the current Premier League campaign has been limited. Gusto has started only three of Chelsea’s opening six league matches, raising questions about his standing in Alonso’s plans.

His situation became more noticeable before the international break, when he remained an unused substitute during Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford. He subsequently received only a brief appearance in the Blues’ emphatic 5-1 victory over Bournemouth, suggesting that his place in the starting lineup is far from guaranteed.

The return of Marco Palestra from injury could create another obstacle for Gusto. Chelsea reportedly signed the Italian defender from Atalanta for €57 million in July after he received the Serie A Defender of the Year award. Although a hamstring problem during pre-season delayed his involvement, Palestra made his competitive debut against Bournemouth and is now expected to compete for regular playing time.

Chelsea already have several alternatives at right-back, including club captain Reece James and Josh Acheampong. Pedro Neto has also been used as a right wing-back on multiple occasions this season, giving Alonso another option when adjusting his formation. The range of available players means Gusto could face greater difficulty securing consistent minutes if the manager continues to rotate his defensive personnel.

The uncertainty has prompted speculation about a possible departure, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly among the clubs monitoring his situation. Chelsea were previously understood to be prepared to consider offers of around €90 million during the summer transfer window. However, no suitable proposal materialised, leaving the defender in west London.

Swiss journalist Sacha Tavolieri has reported that Chelsea are now willing to consider a lower valuation, a development that could make a future transfer more realistic for interested clubs. Even so, a reduced asking price would not automatically lead to a departure, particularly if Gusto remains committed to fighting for his place.

According to the reports, the French defender is comfortable at Chelsea and wants to demonstrate that he can still play an important role under Alonso. His immediate priority is understood to be improving his performances and earning more opportunities rather than forcing a move away from the club.

However, his position could become more difficult if his playing time declines substantially over the coming weeks. Gusto is reportedly prepared to consider leaving only if an alternative offers a significant advancement in his career, meaning a transfer would need to represent more than simply an opportunity to play elsewhere.

For now, Chelsea’s growing competition at right-back has created uncertainty, but Gusto is not believed to be actively seeking an exit. His future may ultimately depend on how Alonso distributes playing time and whether the defender can convince the coaching staff that he deserves a regular place in the starting lineup.