On-loan Blues defender Malang Sarr spoke about his plan to return to London at the end of the season amid Chelsea’s reported pursuit of a new centre-back.
According to February’s report from Goal, Thomas Tuchel is eyeing a big centre-back signing this summer.
Several names, including Bayern Munich’s Niklas Sule was mentioned as their potential targets.
Tuchel might not have to allocate his summer transfer budget for a new centre-back, however.
Sarr, who joined Chelsea from Nice last summer before joining Porto on a season-long loan deal, suggested there is a plan about his being in the Chelsea squad next season.
“I was training with Chelsea before being loaned, but the loan was part of the plan,” the 22-year-old told L’equipe.
“I had to be honest with myself, my season was over in March, and I wasn’t going to have immediate success at Chelsea.
“FC Porto was the perfect solution.
“Because I wanted to spend the season in a top club like Porto, where I could do well, and then return to Chelsea to gain a place.”
Chronicle view
Considering how impressive their defensive record has been under Tuchel, spending big on a new centre-back should not be a priority this summer.
Particularly with Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger recent good performances in the back three.
Sarr, who has made 18 appearances (15 starts) in all competitions, would arguably be a good addition as a squad player.
Although, there is still a possibility that Chelsea might decide to sell one of their centre-backs this summer and bring in a replacement.
There have been reports about potential new contract talks, but Christensen or Rudiger will enter the final two years of their contract in June.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
