Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Jake Stokes

Enzo Fernandez signs, Malo Gusto deal: Chelsea can complete dream rebuild with £105m transfer

Todd Boehly is now a step closer towards completing the perfect rebuild at Chelsea after agreeing a deal to sign Lyon star Malo Gusto. The Blues have reached an agreement with the French outfit for the transfer of the 19-year-old defender, football.london understands. 

Chelsea began talks with Lyon over the weekend before submitting an opening offer which was thought to be around €17million (£14.9million), but Laurent Blanc's side immediately turned that down. After plenty of negotiating, the two parties eventually reached an agreement which sees Gusto join the west Londoners for around £26.3million, plus add-ons.

But, the France youth international is set to stay at Lyon until the end of the season on loan. The signing of Gusto is a huge step in the right direction as Graham Potter looks to further implement his ideas at Chelsea.

READ MORE: Malo Gusto to Chelsea transfer: Behind the scenes as 'unofficial' bid made amid Lyon stance

However, the right-back isn't the final piece of the puzzle at Stamford Bridge — a new midfielder is. The Blues have been heavily linked with the likes of Benfica wonderkid Enzo Fernandez and Brighton star Moises Caicedo; either of whom would be sufficient acquisitions.

So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at how Chelsea could lineup next season if Boehly can complete one more transfer before the January transfer window deadline.

4-3-3

A front-three of Mykhailo Mudryk, Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke will be a sight to behold for Chelsea fans, especially under the stewardship of Potter. With such a strong frontline, Mason Mount will finally be granted some respite in the chance-creation department and, therefore, likely return to the advanced eight role in a three.

Chelsea's dream rebuild in a 4-3-3 (https://www.buildlineup.com/)

If Chelsea operate a back-four next season, opportunities might be hard to come by for Gusto with Reece James being such a pivotal feature in the starting lineup. So, it unlock the Blues' utmost attacking potential, maybe a back-three could be on the cards.

3-4-2-1

In a back-three, Potter will be able to use both James and Gusto — two very dangerous threats in the final third. To many, this setup may seem overly defensive but this shape will provide great width to Chelsea's play.

Chelsea's dream rebuild in a 3-4-2-1 (https://www.buildlineup.com/)

While Benoit Badiashile and Thiago Silva feature, Levi Colwill could very quickly assert himself in Chelsea's backline. By the end of next season, the young defender could be an integral feature.

4-2-3-1

This formation could be just as exciting, with Felix pulling the strings in the middle of the park. With £105million-rated Fernandez partnered with N'Golo Kante, Chelsea would have great balance.

Chelsea's dream rebuild in a 4-2-3-1 (https://www.buildlineup.com/)

The only problem with this formation is that the distance between the wingers and Nkunku, who is likely to lead the line, could be too big. Therefore, there would be a heavy reliance on Felix and the passing ranges of Fernandez, Chilwell and James if the Frenchman decides to run in behind.

READ NEXT:

Graham Potter's £45m transfer verdict hands Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke Chelsea warning

Chelsea receive major N'Golo Kante injury boost ahead of hopeful Borussia Dortmund return

Todd Boehly vision clear amid January window as Chelsea aim to avoid Roman Abramovich blindspot

Find the footballs on the football.london website to win cash prize, vouchers and TV worth £3,000

Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.