Sagna has BAD NEWS for Chelsea captain Reece James

Malo Gusto signed for Chelsea in an initial €30 million deal in 2023, with another €5m owed in bonuses, being loaned back to parent club Lyon for the remainder of the season.

The 20-year-old has had more opportunities in the first team this season than he might have originally expected owing to various injuries suffered by first-choice right back and club captain Reece James.

England international James has only managed EIGHT Premier League matches so far this season, meaning Gusto has been afforded ample time to impress manager Mauricio Pochettino.

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Although it’s been a season to forget for the Blues, Gusto has stood out as a beacon of hope for the future.

He’s played 20 league matches and contributed five assists, earning the praise of onlookers.

Former France and Arsenal right back Bacary Sagna believes that the young France international possesses the qualities to eclipse his more experienced colleague and go on to become one of the top right backs around.

Speculation has recently been posed, meanwhile, over whether or not James can even win his spot back from his younger colleague.

Sagna: Chelsea could have the best right back in the league

“Malo Gusto and Reece James are going to have to compete for the right-back spot and that’s good for Chelsea,” Sagna told Paddy Power.

“Gusto is dynamic, fast and good at one on ones. He was doing well at Lyon, and I’m not surprised to see him shining at Chelsea because he has all the qualities to be an important player.

“Chelsea are in a rebuilding process at the moment and Gusto has been doing well but he can do even better in the coming seasons.

“He has the quality to become the best right-back in the Premier League, if he keeps playing this way for a whole season.”

Chelsea are currently 11th in the table with their league campaign again a washout but there is hope for them in the FA Cup.

They face Manchester City in the semi-finals at Wembley with the winners taking on either Manchester United or Coventry.

Gusto’s side will be hoping for one better than they achieved against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final last month, where they were beaten after extra time.