The France U21 international was acquired by Chelsea in January 2023 for a total of €40 million. However, he did spend Lyon’s final six months of the previous campaign on loan. Given Reece James’ competitiveness and his relative inexperience, many people were surprised that he chose to join Chelsea despite having played 61 times for OL. James is now hurt, so Gusto has the right back position under lockdown. He also discussed the Lyon supporters’ response to his leaving.
In response to a question regarding his choice to directly compete with James, he stated, “I’m not foolish or crazy. Reece James is one of the top players in his position, which I already knew before I arrived. We got along great. He often speaks to me. We play in a big club, thus each position needs to have quality players. Chelsea was my first choice since I had a strategy. I am competent in my work.
The Chelsea defender responded, “Unfair, I don’t know,” when questioned about the reaction of Lyon supporters to academy graduates leaving the team. I only want to express how painful it is. Despite what others may think, we are young adults who grew up in Lyon and have always admired the team. Castello, Bradley, and my departure happened in response to a goal and a strategy. There is nothing at all against OL.
The Blues have welcomed Gusto’s consistency in the Premier League. The beginning of Chelsea’s season hasn’t exactly gone as planned. Despite losing at West Ham and at home to Nottingham Forest before the break, they have four points after four games. The typical issues continue to be problematic.