Exciting Lyon star sparks Man Utd, Chelsea transfer battle as Prem duo given big motivation over deal

Manchester United and Chelsea will reportedly battle it out for the signing of a Lyon player as the two Premier League sides aim to improve one position.

Both Manchester United and Chelsea were handed setbacks over the weekend. Manchester United lost 3-1 to Aston Villa away from home on Sunday. They were 2-0 down inside 11 minutes through goals from Leon Bailey and Lucas Digne.

A Jacob Ramsey own goal gave them a route back into the match, but the Villa midfielder then went down the other end and scored to ensure all three points remained in the West Midlands.

The defeat leaves Manchester United fifth in the Premier League, three points behind the top four but with a game in hand.

Chelsea, meanwhile, were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. They were outplayed by the visitors and Gabriel’s second-half goal handed Mikel Arteta’s side the bragging rights.

Chelsea sit in seventh, two points behind Man Utd and five off the Champions League qualification spots. Like Man Utd though, the Blues have a game in hand on Tottenham and Newcastle.

Club chiefs at both Man Utd and Chelsea will be looking at ways to bolster their respective squads in the 2023 transfer windows.

Erik ten Hag and Graham Potter will want investment to make the teams more like their own and to provide more quality on the pitch.

Man Utd to rival Chelsea for Lyon ace

Man Utd and Chelsea could end up tussling for a Ligue 1 star, too. According to Sports Illustrated, who cite transfer insider Graeme Bailey, both English teams are hopeful of capturing Lyon’s Malo Gusto.

The right-back has enjoyed an impressive campaign, starting in most of Lyon’s domestic fixtures so far. He is only 19 years old but is already becoming an important player for Lyon.

However, the French outfit are at risk of losing him next year. His exciting displays have alerted both Man Utd and Chelsea. And like so many other Lyon academy graduates, Gusto is now set for bigger things.

Man Utd are aiming to improve Ten Hag’s options at right-back by bringing Gusto to Old Trafford. He would arrive there to challenge Diogo Dalot for his starting spot. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, meanwhile, is out of the picture and set to be sold by Man Utd.

Gusto would also help to future-proof the Man Utd squad somewhat. At 19, he could provide Ten Hag with plenty of years of service. The same can be said for the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Tyrell Malacia and Anthony Elanga.

However, Man Utd will not have it all their own way when it comes to signing Gusto. Chelsea like the look of the France U21 international, too.

Chelsea have already enquired about Malo Gusto signing

They have made an enquiry about his signature in the past and could return with an official offer next summer. This would set up a bidding war between Man Utd and Chelsea.

Graham Potter loves having Reece James at his disposal but feels the star needs help on the right flank. As such, Gusto would move to west London to provide backup for James.

The need for Gusto’s signing will increase if club captain Cesar Azpilicueta leaves Chelsea. He remains on Barcelona’s wish list after they tried to sign him in the summer.

The report doesn’t mention how much Man Utd or Chelsea will have to pay for Gusto. transfermarkt believe his value to be €15million (£13.1m).

Of course, if Man Utd and Chelsea start sending rival bids for the youngster then his transfer fee could rise. Lyon will be hoping this is exactly what happens. If they are going to lose him, they will want to make as much money as possible.

Man Utd and Chelsea have both been given big motivation over the transfer due to Gusto’s Lyon deal expiring in 2024. This means the best time to sort a move would be next summer.

Gusto would be a decent signing for Man Utd and Chelsea given his good performances in France and his top potential.

However, when replacing Wan-Bissaka, Man Utd fans will probably want a bigger name to come in. Or at least someone with more experience.

Denzel Dumfries and Jeremie Frimpoing are two great options, although they will command more money than Gusto.

Meanwhile, Tuesday’s Transfer Gossip claims a Man Utd outcast has well and truly lost Ten Hag’s trust.