Chelsea have greenlit a January exit for a player Liverpool bid for over the summer, though the move could spell disaster for a fan favourite at Anfield.

With time fast running out in the summer transfer window, Liverpool lodged a surprise move for a Chelsea star that went largely unreported at the time. One journalist who was on the ball was RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins.

Taking to X on deadline day, the trusted French reporter stated: ‘Liverpool made a final push today to sign Malo Gusto on loan, but the attempt ended without success.

‘The Reds were only willing to consider a loan with no mandatory buy clause, while Chelsea were pushing for a permanent transfer.

‘Liverpool simply don’t have the financial means to make a permanent deal happen.’

As mentioned, the primary reason no deal was made related to differing opinions on the structure of deal.

With Chelsea insisting on a permanent sale and valuing 23-year-old Gusto at a hefty £75m, the Reds understandably took a pass.

However, Gusto’s situation at Chelsea is rapidly deteriorating, with the France international not chosen to start any of Chelsea’s last six Premier League matches. That’s despite the fact Reece James is sidelined after minor knee surgery.

Xabi Alonso is selecting everyone except Gusto it seems, with Pedro Neto getting starts at wing-back, Josh Acheampong at right-back when it’s a back four, and Marco Palestra in the mix too.

According to our colleagues over on TEAMtalk, the lack of game-time is frustrating Gusto who is ‘ready to leave Chelsea’ at the earliest opportunity in January.

Crucially, Chelsea are also singing from the same hymn sheet, with the report declaring the Blues ‘are open to the prospect of a January exit.’

Liverpool signing Malo Gusto could be bad news for Ronald Araujo

As such, a deal is there to be made if Liverpool desire it. Much may well depend on Chelsea lowering their asking price, which separate reports have already suggested they’re willing to do.

If Liverpool do push the button on a move for Gusto in January, competition could come from Manchester City, who are long-timer admirers of Gusto, and Tottenham, according to the report.

Spurs already have one of the best right-backs in the league in situ in Pedro Porro, but he’s on the radars of Real Madrid and Barcelona who’ll prove difficult to fend off.

If Liverpool did sign Gusto in January, the chances of signing Ronald Araujo outright would decline.

The Uruguayan has been an instant hit during his loan spell and is already a fan favourite. An option to buy allows Liverpool to sign the versatile defender outright for €55m / £47m.

However, suggestions Liverpool might accelerate proceedings with Barcelona and sign Araujo outright in January have been dismissed by Spanish outlet Sport.

As such, when the time comes to make a final decision on Araujo next summer, Gusto may already be in the building.