Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has reportedly decided that Malo Gusto is not part of his first-team plans, amid interest from Liverpool. The France international has seen a reduced role this season, and his situation coincides with a position Liverpool have struggled to settle. According to Caughtoffside.com.
Gusto’s Chelsea situation could offer Liverpool a right-back option
A report in Simon Phillips’ Substack states that Alonso has advised Malo Gusto to find a new club, as he is not seen as a regular starter. Phillips had previously linked the player with Liverpool, though it remains to be seen whether this leads to a move.
Gusto has mostly performed well at Stamford Bridge, but his role has shrunk this season under Alonso, who took charge in the summer. The Spaniard’s use of wing-backs might leave limited room for the 23-year-old, which would help explain why he is reportedly outside the manager’s plans.
Liverpool’s right-back position has been an issue since Trent Alexander-Arnold left, with Jeremie Frimpong struggling since joining from Bayer Leverkusen. Ronald Araujo, normally a centre-back, is doing a decent job there after joining on loan from Barcelona, but that is probably not the best long-term answer.
A more speculative idea is a swap deal involving Gusto and Frimpong, which looks unlikely for now. Frimpong was superb in Alonso’s system at Leverkusen, so a return to a similar set-up could suit him, even though he has struggled in English football so far. It is possible that Liverpool was not the right move for him.
