'A big loss': Club president reacts after Chelsea sign his £26m player
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has claimed that his side are being hit hard by the loss of Malo Gusto.
He told journalist Ben Jacobs of his annoyance towards the business model brought to Chelsea by new owner Todd Boehly.
The Blues made the signing of Gusto towards the end of what was an extremely busy January transfer window.
With Reece James experiencing injury problems frequently in the last few months, an attacking back-up was high on the agenda at Stamford Bridge.
While the Blues did loan the promising youngster back to his former side, a recent injury has left them unable to use the full-back in recent weeks.
He has been completing some of his rehab at Chelsea, using the opportunity to form relationships with players he will be teammates with next season.
Aulas disappointed to lose Gusto
The Premier League club’s gain is Lyon’s pain however, despite the £26m fee they received for the player.
Aulas has claimed that he is frustrated that his side were not able to develop Gusto further.
He said: “[The transfer] was a specific scenario because Chelsea’s plan is to invest in young players for the long term. It weakens clubs capable of raising these players like Lyon.
“Gusto had only played 50 games in France so was a big loss, but we tried to compensate financially. Players like this are difficult to compensate so it’s not a good thing Chelsea’s American investors think more immediately [wanting young players instantly] instead of waiting.
“Gusto was a big loss for us, and then there was his injury, too. We will have to replace him with another young player.”
With James recently pulling out of the England squad due to another injury, supporters will be waiting impatiently for Gusto to become available as secure back-up for the 23-year-old.
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