French right-back Malo Gusto, 23, has rejected a loan move to Atletico Madrid and will remain at Chelsea for the 2026-2027 season. The London club had placed a £75 million valuation on him when Manchester City showed interest, more than double the £31 million spent to acquire him from Lyon in January 2023. Chelsea signed Marco Palestra this summer from Atalanta for a fee exceeding £43 million, adding direct competition for Gusto at right-back. The Frenchman has made 134 appearances for the Blues and is under contract until 2030, giving the club a strong negotiating position. His decision is also reportedly driven by his desire to maintain his place in the France national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
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