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Liverpool reportedly made inquiries about the potential signing of Chelsea right back Malo Gusto on Deadline Day, though the move never came close to happening.
Conceding two goals in back-to-back Premier League matches to open the season prompted Liverpool to explore the possibility of bolstering their defensive options in the closing hours of the summer transfer window.
According to Fabrice Hawkins, the Reds looked into a loan deal for Gusto, but Chelsea had no interest in releasing the Frenchman unless the transfer was permanent. The Blues had placed a $100 million (£75 million) price tag on Gusto when he was linked with a move to join former manager Enzo Maresca at Manchester City earlier in the window.
One summer after becoming the first club to surpass $540 million (£400 million) in net spending during a single transfer window, Liverpool splashed an additional $291 million (£250 million) the following year.
That significant recent expenditure left Liverpool constrained on the final day of the window, and they were unwilling—or unable—to match Chelsea's asking price, seeking only a season-long loan. The Blues, typically open to exploring various deals, flatly rejected the notion of Gusto departing on a temporary basis.
Why Liverpool Tried to Sign Malo Gusto
Liverpool's last-minute pursuit of Gusto was driven entirely by their thin defensive depth and the underwhelming performances of their existing right back options.
Injuries and inconsistent form have characterized Jeremie Frimpong's time at Anfield since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen a year ago. There were considerable expectations for Frimpong, but injuries disrupted his debut season with the club. It has also become evident that he has struggled to adapt to the full back role after playing as a wingback in the Bundesliga. He has endured a difficult start to the Andoni Iraola era.
There remains genuine optimism that academy product Conor Bradley can develop into a top-class right back in the mold of Trent Alexander-Arnold before him. However, the 23-year-old has been out since January with a serious knee injury, and there is still no definitive timeline for his comeback.
Liverpool did bring in center back Ronald Araújo on loan from Barcelona, and the Uruguayan is capable of filling in on the right flank. However, the experienced defender has struggled considerably in recent seasons and appears far more comfortable in a central role.
With Frimpong misfiring and Araújo as his only real alternative, Liverpool have looked vulnerable defensively in the early stages of the season. It is clear they could have benefited from further reinforcement in that position.
Malo Gusto Should Play Important Role at Chelsea
While Chelsea appeared willing to let Gusto go had a club met their lofty valuation, they were by no means eager to push him out of Stamford Bridge.
Gusto is one of just four players to have started all three of Chelsea's matches this season. The 23-year-old featured at right back against Fulham and Luton Town, before Alonso raised eyebrows by deploying Gusto alongside Romeo Lavia in Chelsea's midfield during the 4–3 victory over Brighton in their most recent outing.
Gusto's use in midfield appears to be one of the likely remedies for one of Chelsea's most pressing concerns. The Blues are severely stretched in the middle of the park due to injuries to Moisés Caicedo and Jordan Henderson. Lavia and captain Reece James are potential options, though both carry significant injury histories.
The situation was further complicated when Enzo Fernández's high-profile move to Man City went through, and Monaco subsequently pulled out of an agreed deal that would have seen Lamine Camara arrive at Stamford Bridge at the eleventh hour as his replacement.
Alonso will need to think outside the box to address Chelsea's midfield shortage, and Gusto could prove to be part of the solution. Whether surging down the right flank or operating in a central role, the Frenchman looks set to feature heavily in the early stages of the Alonso era.