Liverpool are targeting a move for Chelsea defender Malo Gusto to address a problem position under manager Andoni Iraola, according to reports from Chelsea insider Simon Phillips. With just over two weeks remaining in the transfer window, the Merseyside club is ramping up recruitment following the arrivals of Victor Munoz for £34.5 million from Osasuna and Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona.
Malo Gusto Emerges as Defensive Target for Liverpool
The 23-year-old French international is admired by Liverpool, Tottenham, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, according to Simon Phillips. Gusto has made 134 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions since arriving from Lyon for £35m from Lyon in January 2023, scoring three goals and providing 17 assists. However, his starting opportunities at Stamford Bridge have faced pressure following the arrival of Marco Palestra from Atalanta under Xabi Alonso’s system.
According to Simon Phillips, Gusto has been pushing to leave Stamford Bridge for the past four months. Despite being valued at a £75m asking price—a fee that recently prompted Manchester City to walk away from negotiations—the Blues could potentially lower their demands, opening a window for interested suitors.
Defensive Thinness and Pre-Season Injury Concerns at Anfield
The push for defensive reinforcements comes as Liverpool face a mounting shortage at the back under Andoni Iraola. Club captain Virgil van Dijk, who is 35 and entering the final year of his contract, has not yet begun pre-season training after receiving an extended break following the World Cup.
Compounding the situation, long-serving defender Joe Gomez pulled up with an injury during Liverpool’s pre-season opener against Sunderland in Nashville. Iraola described the setback as “probably the worst news,” with Transfermarkt data indicating it marks Gomez’s ninth separate lay-off since the start of the 2023-24 season. Meanwhile, new centre-back signing Jeremy Jacquet—acquired from Rennes for £55m in January—is currently managing a shoulder problem and was carefully kept out of the Sunderland friendly.
Did you know? Malo Gusto has earned 16 caps for the France national team and featured in 34 Premier League matches during the previous campaign before slipping down the pecking order in West London.
Balancing Priorities Across the Squad
Liverpool have encountered recurring issues at right-back since Alexander-Arnold’s departure, with Dominik Szoboszlai forced to fill in on numerous occasions last term due to injuries suffered by Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley. While Frimpong currently holds the first-choice role, he is more naturally suited to playing as a wing-back.
Beyond defensive targets, Liverpool’s recruitment drive also includes an attacking priority. Bradley Barcola remains a top target for the forward line, though Paris Saint-Germain’s £145 million asking price remains a significant hurdle for the Reds to clear before the window shuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Liverpool targeting Malo Gusto?
According to reports, Liverpool are exploring a move for Gusto to provide strong competition at right-back and wing-back, where injuries to Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley have created tactical challenges.
What is Chelsea’s asking price for Gusto?
Chelsea insider Simon Phillips reports that Gusto has a £75m asking price, though the Blues could lower that figure given the player’s desire to leave Stamford Bridge.
Who are Liverpool’s other defensive absentees?
According to the Daily Mail, Joe Gomez picked up an injury in pre-season against Sunderland, while January signing Jeremy Jacquet is being managed through a shoulder issue and captain Virgil van Dijk has an extended break following international duty.
What do you think of Liverpool’s pursuit of Malo Gusto, and how should Andoni Iraola address the defensive injury crisis? Join the conversation in the comments below.
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