January 30 – Chelsea have completed their 16th signing in two transfer windows since the club came under new ownership, bringing in France under-21 right back Malo Gusto (pictured) from Lyon for a reported £26.3 million pounds.
The 19-year-old will finish the season on loan at the French club where he has established himself as an attacking fullback.
In January alone, Chelsea have also signed winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, striker David Datro Fofana, centreback Benoit Badiashile and midfielders Noni Madueke and Andrey Santos – all on permanent deals – as well as Portugal forward Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid.
In line with the recent pattern at Chelsea, Gusto has agreed to a long-term contract that runs until the summer of 2030.
Spending under Todd Boehly, who fronted the $2.5 billion takeover in May after Roman Abramovich sold Chelsea following a 19-year tenure, is now reported to be more than $500 million.
Chelsea are currently 10th in the table and the aim of the unprecedented eye-watering spending spree, which critics claim is a scattergun approach to success, is to boost the club’s prospects of a charge up the standings to secure a position in the Champions League that would be worth a minimum £65 million that could rise to over £100 million, depending on performance.
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