“No progress” on defender move – but Chelsea can still seal deal this week

L’Equipe are giving now daily updates on the situation of Malo Gusto’s potential transfer to Chelsea.

Today’s report was that… there was “no progress” yesterday. Chelsea’s opening offer of €20m has been rejected, Lyon are holding out for more, but Chelsea have yet to offer it.

What is made clear in the piece is how advanced things are between Chelsea and the player. He has been convinced by our sporting project, he’s been promised first team action, and he’s even apparently agreed a six and a half year contract.

If all that’s true, it means we’ve had quite advanced discussions with Gusto, and are clearly sorted on that end of things.

All that remains is to find a price with Lyon, and given how many resources we’ve invested in persuading Gusto, we don’t think we will walk away now. We think this will be wrapped up by the weekend, despite a lack of progress yesterday.