An update has emerged on Chelsea and their attempts to improve their options at right-back during the January transfer window...

What's the talk?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Blues are in talks with Ligue 1 side Lyon over a possible deal to bring Malo Gusto to Stamford Bridge.

The club have already convinced the French gem to make the move to England but they must now persuade Lyon to cash in on their star defender.

Romano Tweeted: "Chelsea are in direct contact with OL for Malo Gusto. Understand personal terms are already agreed on long term deal, player open to the move. #CFC OL have turned down Chelsea opening verbal bid, as @sebnonda reported — they want Malo Gusto to stay at least until June."

Cesar Azpilicueta heir

Graham Potter and Todd Boehly could land the dream heir to current Chelsea right-back Cesar Azpilicueta by securing a deal to sign Gusto before the window slams shut.

The 33-year-old Spaniard's current contract expires at the end of next season and the club may now be starting to think about what life will look like after he departs from Stamford Bridge.

Since arriving from Marseille in 2012, the veteran has racked up a stunning 500 appearances for the Blues in all competitions - including 341 in the Premier League.

Chelsea could land their next gem from Ligue 1, as well as their heir to Azpilicueta's place in the squad, by bringing Gusto in as his form for Lyon this season indicates that he could be an excellent addition to the squad.

The 19-year-old full-back, who was once hailed as a "fantastic" player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has averaged an eye-catching Sofascore rating of 7.10 across 15 appearances in the French top-flight, whilst the Chelsea icon has averaged a score of 6.91 in the Premier League.

Gusto has created 1.4 chances and made 3.6 tackles and interceptions per match for Lyon, compared to Azpilicueta's 0.6 and 2.3 per outing in the English division.

These statistics indicate that the French dynamo could be an immediate upgrade on the Blues warrior in terms of what he offers going forward and in defence, which is reflected in their respective average rating for the campaign so far.

However, at the age of 19, Gusto would also come in as a long-term option for Potter in that position and could be the future of the club in that area of the pitch, alongside Reece James, as Azpilicueta heads towards the end of his career.