Reports suggest that Malang Sarr will only be allowed to leave Chelsea if another defender is signed first.
According to The Athletic, the 23-year-old is attracting interest from Ligue 1, as well as down the road from local rivals Fulham.
Sarr’s name has often been overlooked this summer when discussing Chelsea’s future centre-back options, following a mixed first season at Stamford Bridge.
The Frenchman failed to set the world alight, and has done little to state his case as a starter despite the exodus of centre-backs that has been seen so far,
In fact, with his strengths on the left of defence, it is a testament to how far out of the picture he is that Thomas Tuchel remains insistent on signing an option for that very position.
This has led to reports of Sarr’s exit, however The Athletic have claimed he won’t be allowed to leave the club until Chelsea sign a direct replacement,
Sarr told he can’t leave yet
The Blues’ interest in central defenders has been well-documented this summer, with them seemingly going after every option available in a desperate attempt to bring in reinforcements before the new season begins.
Their latest efforts have seen them land at two young, yet expensive options. The club are great admirers of Wesley Fofana, with his ability clear to see based on Leicester City’s defensive record without him last season.
This has obviously made them hesitant to sell the 21-year-old, although he would provide the defensive skills very few centre-backs his age possess, and have the opportunity to learn from the likes of Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly.
Josko Gvardiol is another name widely believed to be top of Chelsea’s list, with Chelsea preparing to do business with RB Leipzig anyway regarding Timo Werner.
If the Blues can somehow use the out-of-favour forward as part of a deal, then they should certainly look at making the 20-year-old their latest acquisition.