In their London offices, Paul Winstanley, Christopher Vivell and Laurence Stewart spent very long hours phosphorizing. After having already completed major deals this winter, Chelsea’s recruitment managers are not done with their copious winter transfer window (nearly €180 million in purchases).

After having succeeded in enriching their workforce in all lines (Badiashile, Joao Felix), the English club is still watching the market carefully. On offensive positions but not only. Because for a few days, the Blues, immersed in a deep sporting crisis (10th in the Premier League, 28 points), have made known their interest in the Lyon side Malo Gusto. At 19, the international Espoirs, supervised in recent months by several major European teams (Manchester City, Tottenham, Dortmund …), is perceived, by his volume, his speed and his offensive creativity, as one of the elements the most promising in a position where very high level players are rare.

Its unspecified first leg phase was not subject to its rating. Chelsea, which had relaunched the Castello Lukeba track this winter (parallel to the Badiashile track), is determined to get active in the coming days. No offer has yet been made to OL. What level can this proposal reach? This will be the whole issue by January 31. The London club showed with Mykhaïlo Moudryk (purchased for €70 million, excluding hard-to-reach bonuses) that it had a substantial financial base this winter. But a year and a half from the end of their side’s contract, OL are not necessarily in a position of strength in this matter.

The financial situation of the French club raises questions. The club’s new owner, John Textor, has confirmed in private in recent days that substantial offers will be considered. Lyon’s first idea is to keep Gusto until the end of the season. But what would be the reaction of OL in the event of an important proposal from Chelsea or another courtier of the player (Newcastle will wait this summer before making an offer for the side)? The Lyon transfer window, which will be animated by several files (Toko Ekambi, Faivre, Mr. Dembélé …), is far from having delivered all its truth.