Chelsea have been told by Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas that Malo Gusto is staying at the club this season.
Standard Sport understands the Blues have made the 19-year-old their top target to provide competition for Reece James, who has again found his season hit by injuries.
Gusto has verbally agreed to personal terms on a deal at Stamford Bridge, likely spread over many years, but Lyon are insisting on keeping the player on loan for the rest of the season.
Chelsea so far have rejected that stance, and now Aulus has gone public.
"I can confirm that Malo Gusto will stay here at least until the end of the season," he tweeted earlier on Thursday.
Gusto, who has 18 months left on his contract, is an attacking right-back, with similar athletic attributes to James. He made his debut for Lyon as a 17-year-old in 2021 and has played 15 times in Ligue 1 this season.
