Arsenal target Malo Gusto could be ‘tempted’ to make the switch from Lyon after witnessing William Saliba’s progression, journalist Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.
The 19-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks after impressing for his boyhood club and could follow a similar path to compatriot and fellow defender Saliba.
Arsenal transfer news – Malo Gusto
Back in October, 90min reported that Gusto was one of the most ‘in-demand teenagers in European football’ and that several top sides from across the continent were tracking his progress.
The likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are believed to have scouted the France Under-21 international.
Reliable Sky Sport Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has since stated that Lyon value their prized asset between €30 million (£26.3) and €40 million (£35.1m).
However, Gusto’s current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2024, meaning the upcoming January transfer window could be the last opportunity for Lyon to secure a top price for their academy graduate.
What has Jones said about Gusto?
Arsenal’s Cedric Soares has been heavily linked with a move to Fulham after falling down the pecking order under manager Mikel Arteta this season.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
And Jones has informed GMS that Gusto’s profile ‘would be a really good fit’ for the north London outfit.
He said: “He’s the type of right-back that I think would be a really good fit for Arsenal under the current vision, and bearing in mind how Saliba has grown, I’m sure there are reasons there for him to be tempted by a move like this.”
Would Gusto be a good signing?
Gusto has established himself as Lyon’s first-choice right-back this season, registering one assist in his 14 Ligue 1 appearances.
As per FBref, the 5 foot 10 ace has also ranked in the 95th percentile for attempted passes, 92nd for expected assists, 81st for interceptions, and 80th for completed dribbles amongst his positional peers over the last year.
Those figures illustrate that Gusto is already a full-back capable of contributing in the final third of the pitch despite his tender years, highlighting why there is such a clamour to sign him.
Winning the race for Gusto’s signature could secure Arsenal’s right-back options for years to come, although they will face stiff competition for him.
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