Liverpool and Manchester City interested in signing 21-year-old Chelsea defender: Reports

Liverpool have registered an interest in signing defender Malo Gusto from Chelsea, as per Caught Offside. The 21-year-old is being seen as a replacement for right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is in the final year of his current contract and will become a free agent in the summer of 2025.

Alexander-Arnold has reportedly drawn interest from Real Madrid as well, and the player's ambition of becoming the best in the world alongside England teammate Jude Bellingham may prove too tough a temptation to resist. Along with Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk will too become free agents in 2025.

Gusto, however, has big admirers in Pep Guardiola's Manchester City as well. The Cityzens like his style of play and are going to provide stiff competition to Liverpool in the transfer market. Liverpool, however, have a pressing need for a right-back and will have to act quickly.

Gusto has been in excellent form for Chelsea this season, ensuring that the club have not felt the absence of Reece James. Having started in ten out of the 12 matches he has played so far, Gusto has also registered an assist. In total, he has played 51 matches for the Blues so far.

Liverpool have big worries on their hands

As mentioned earlier, Liverpool will have the risk of losing not just Alexander-Arnold, but also Salah and Van Dijk in 2025. All three players are in the final year of their respective contracts and become free agents in the upcoming summer. If they choose to, they can start negotiating deals with new clubs from January itself.

Chelsea, meanwhile, will not want to let Gusto go off their hands given that he has been excellent in James' absence. The Blues are currently second in the Premier League table with 31 points, just four shy of leaders Liverpool, who have 35 inside their kitty with a game in hand.