Manchester United keen on move for Chelsea star in January

Manchester United keen on move for Chelsea star in January Malo Gusto to Manchester United? Chelsea Right-Back Emerges in Early Pochettino Transfer Talk Manchester United are being linked with Chelsea defender Malo Gusto as planning begins for the next phase at Old Trafford, with talkSPORT reporting that the France international is firmly on the radar. Gusto’s situation at Chelsea has become one to watch. After a promising first season in west London, when he impressed with his athleticism, attacking support and understanding down the right, his standing has shifted. Opportunities have become harder to secure, and the right-back has found himself behind other options despite injuries in the squad. That change in status appears to have opened the door to a possible move in 2027. The key detail here is context. Chelsea were said to be willing to listen to offers if their €90m valuation was met during the last market. At that stage, Gusto was thought to be determined to stay and compete. That position now appears softer, with the player understood to be considering his options before the January window. Pochettino Link Shapes Gusto Interest The strongest element in this developing story is the Mauricio Pochettino connection. The report states, “Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign Chelsea defender Malo Gusto as Mauricio Pochettino eyes a reunion with the France international.” If Pochettino does arrive at Old Trafford, it would be natural for attention to turn towards players he knows, trusts and has previously improved. Photo IMAGO That familiarity matters in recruitment, especially during a managerial transition. Gusto is young, Premier League-tested and already known to Pochettino from their time together at Chelsea. For a club trying to reduce risk in the market, those are significant boxes ticked. Manchester City Also Monitoring Chelsea Defender United are not alone. Manchester City are also credited with interest, which immediately raises the level of competition and complexity. City have long been associated with the search for a right-back profile that offers energy, recovery speed and comfort in possession. Gusto fits that mould, and any genuine duel between the Manchester clubs would inevitably bring scrutiny to Chelsea’s stance. That said, a transfer of this nature would still rest on several moving parts, including price, player preference and Chelsea’s willingness to strengthen a domestic rival. A €90m figure is substantial for a full-back, even in an inflated market, and it would test the conviction of any interested side. Right-Back Question Remains at Old Trafford For United, the position is clearly under review. Diogo Dalot has held the role for long periods, yet doubts have persisted over whether he is the long-term answer if the club are to rebuild a defence capable of competing at the top end of the Premier League. Gusto would offer a different profile, one built around sharp movement, modern attacking instincts and room for further development. There is still distance between interest and a completed deal, and January business is rarely straightforward, particularly between major Premier League clubs. Yet when a player’s role changes, when a coach connection exists, and when multiple elite clubs are watching closely, the ingredients for a significant transfer story are clearly in place. Our View This is the kind of link that feels believable, but not entirely comfortable. On paper, Malo Gusto makes sense. He is young, quick, already adjusted to the league and has worked with the manager expected to come in. Those are all sensible reasons to explore a move. The worry is whether United are again drifting towards a familiar pattern, buying players because of old relationships rather than because the whole recruitment plan is finally clear. There is also the issue of cost. If Chelsea really want €90m, that feels wildly high for a right-back, even one with obvious quality. United have made enough expensive decisions in recent years without adding another one that would come with pressure from the first day. It would need to be a deal built on smart negotiation, not desperation. At the same time, it is hard to ignore the need for upgrades. The right-back position has never fully settled, and if a new manager wants more intensity, reliability and attacking support from that side, then this type of target is understandable. The concern is whether Gusto has truly dipped because of circumstances at Chelsea, or whether this is a player whose level has been slightly overestimated after one strong season. There is talent there, no doubt. The question is whether United are spotting an opportunity, or preparing to pay elite money for a player who still has plenty to prove.