Liverpool made a late attempt to secure Malo Gusto on deadline day, but talks with Chelsea concluded without a deal.
The Merseysiders were keen to bring in the French right-back on a loan deal with an option to buy, but Chelsea took a markedly different stance.
The London club was only willing to discuss the transfer on the condition of an obligation to purchase, with Gusto's valuation set at around £75 million. Ultimately, Chelsea's financial demands proved too steep for Liverpool.
🔴 Liverpool only wanted a loan
In the closing hours of the transfer window, Liverpool unexpectedly reached out to Chelsea regarding Gusto.
The Reds viewed the 23-year-old as a key solution to their issues on the right side of defence. However, the club was unwilling to commit to an obligatory purchase for the player.
Liverpool's proposal indicated a season-long loan with an option to buy, allowing a decision on a permanent transfer to be made later.
🔵 Chelsea demanded an obligatory purchase
Chelsea's position was significantly firmer.
The Londoners were not prepared to let Gusto go under the terms of a standard loan and insisted on either a permanent transfer or an agreement that included an obligation to buy.
Given Gusto's valuation of around £75 million, such conditions proved unacceptable for Liverpool, resulting in an inability to strike a deal before the window closed.
