Chelsea have not had the best of starts to the new Premier League season. Despite currently sitting in a Champions League position, their fourth league defeat of the season in a 1-0 loss to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light disgruntled fans with another average defensive performance for a team with only three league clean sheets all year.
Xabi Alonso chose to criticise his defenders rather than blame the dodgy officiating that deemed Levi Colwill to have fouled Brian Brobbey within the area, and many of the Blues faithful took to social media to join Alonso in his criticism. The Blues never shy away from an overhaul whenever they need it, and their continued struggles in front of goal point to another imminent shake-up that will see many defenders move away from the Bridge while replacements are lined up.
Malo Gusto is ready to leave Chelsea in the January transfer window, with the club also open to the possibility of his departure, @TEAMtalk understands. https://t.co/ZtSDUg5oDe
— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) November 10, 2026
The latest defender to have been linked with a potential move away from the West London outfit is French fullback Malo Gusto. The 23-year-old found himself on the periphery of Alonso’s plans this season as early as in preseason, however, Chelsea’s high valuation of the former Olympique Lyon man in the summer made sure that both Manchester City and Liverpool failed in their pursuits to land the right-back. However, a continued lack of game time has now seemingly opened the door for a January exit.
🚨 #Como1907 Como 1907 are among the clubs interested in Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto. 📞 The French defender is open to leaving Chelsea in January in search of regular first-team football. 🔄 Chelsea are said to be willing to consider a departure, while Atlético Madrid, AC Milan and RB Leipzig are also closely monitoring the player’s situation. ⏳ Strong competition is expected for Gusto’s signature if he becomes available during the upcoming transfer window. 🇫🇷
— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) November 9, 2026
According to reputed football sources, Chelsea are open to selling Gusto as early as in the January transfer window, with Como 1907 interested in acquiring the Frenchman’s services. Gusto is open to leaving the Blues in search of regular first team football, and the Blues will not stand in his way. Como have been no stranger to signing Chelsea assets, with both Robert Sanchez and Trevoh Chalobah currently plying their trade for former Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas’ side. Apart from Como, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, and RB Leipzig are also closely monitoring the player’s current situation.
#EXCL | Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Aston Villa are monitoring RC Lens’ 18yo center-back Kyllian Antonio! @ekremkonur @fussball_news Full story via link! 👇 https://t.co/pHSPrcbuMF https://t.co/yMaFqOImOt
— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) November 9, 2026
With Gusto potentially on his way to Italy, the Blues will likely be left with only Marco Palestra as an option at right-back – and it is likely that we may see another fullback join the club to bolster its ranks. Reputed sources have linked RC Lens’ 18-year-old Kyllian Antonio with a move to the English capital, as a versatile defender that can play in the centre as well as on the right flank – with the Blues adding another positionally flexible prodigy to the ranks at Stamford Bridge.
The 2008-born French defender also has interest from other European elite clubs in Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, and in case Malo Gusto does end up trading Chelsea blue for Como blue in the winter window – the Blues’ hierarchy will have to move quickly to ensure they get their man and gear up for a stronger finish to the season.
