Imagine a young talent who's turning heads across Europe, with big clubs circling like sharks—yet your team decides to lock him down with a shiny new deal. That's the exciting buzz around Chelsea and their rising star, Malo Gusto, right now, and it's got fans on the edge of their seats wondering if this is the smart move that secures their future.
According to a fresh report from French outlet RMC Sport (https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/transferts/un-salaire-en-adequation-avec-son-nouveau-statut-chelsea-veut-prolonger-malo-gusto-de-plus-en-plus-solide-chez-les-blues_AN-202510290648.html), Chelsea is gearing up to offer Malo Gusto a contract extension, complete with a well-deserved salary bump. This move is all about recognizing how the 21-year-old French right-back has stepped up his game and become a more integral part of the squad. For those new to following Premier League football, a right-back is a defender who plays on the right side of the backline, often overlapping into attack to provide width and crosses—Gusto's been excelling in that dual role.
His existing contract already ties him to Chelsea until 2030, so there's no immediate pressure or deadline looming. Instead, this is Chelsea's way of showing appreciation for a player they're viewing as a cornerstone of their long-term plans. As journalist Fabrice Hawkins points out, the club's leadership has been closely watching Gusto's standout performances on the pitch. And get this—last summer, multiple elite clubs were reportedly lining up bids to snag him away, which makes this potential extension even more strategic. It's like putting up a 'Do Not Disturb' sign to keep those rivals at bay and ensure Gusto stays put in blue.
But here's where it gets controversial: Gusto is undeniably a key asset as the main understudy to Reece James, Chelsea's injury-prone star right-back who's a defensive powerhouse when fit. For beginners, think of a backup player as the reliable substitute ready to step in seamlessly during rotations or when the starter needs rest—Gusto fits that bill perfectly. We've even spotted him dropping into midfield positions this season, showcasing his versatility, which is a huge plus in modern football where players need to adapt quickly to different roles.
That said, opinions on Gusto are as divided as a heated derby match. On one hand, many see him as a valuable squad member with flashes of brilliance—like his speed, tackling, and occasional goal contributions—that make him indispensable for depth. On the other, critics argue he's not quite ready for consistent starting duties, especially if he's only featuring sporadically, and his overall consistency hasn't quite lived up to the hype from his early days at the club. It's that gap between raw potential and steady performance that sparks debates: Is he a hidden gem or just a solid bench option? And this is the part most people miss—while his form has dipped at times, his youth means there's plenty of room for growth, which is why Chelsea seems eager to invest in him now.
It'll be fascinating to track how Gusto performs through the remainder of this season; could he silence the doubters and earn that starting spot for good? For example, if he continues to shine in big matches, like upcoming clashes against top rivals, it might just tip the scales in his favor.
Shifting gears to other defensive updates, Chelsea isn't stopping at Gusto—they're reportedly eyeing a few free agents whose contracts expire next summer, prioritizing bolstering that backline even further. (https://chelsea.news/2025/10/chelsea-insider-prioritise-one-position-chelsea/)
And in a heartwarming highlight from today, former Chelsea wizard Eden Hazard has earned his place in the Premier League Hall of Fame, rubbing shoulders with the league's all-time greats. What a way to celebrate a career full of magic and memories! (https://chelsea.news/2025/10/eden-hazard-premier-league-hall-of-fame/)
So, what do you think—does Gusto deserve this extension, or should Chelsea hold out for a proven starter? Is he the future of their defense, or just a temporary fix? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you're Team Gusto or if you've got reservations!
