Chelsea defender Malang Sarr is on the radars of fellow Premier League clubs West Ham United and Watford, with enquiries already made over a possible move.
According to a report from French publication Foot Mercato, Watford and West Ham United have shown an interest in securing the services of Chelsea defender Malang Sarr and have made enquiries for him over a potential January move.
Sarr has been with Chelsea in the summer of 2020, arriving on a free transfer after his contract with OGC Nice had run down. Upon arrival, the Frenchman was sent out on loan to FC Porto for the 2020/21 season but failed to make much of an impact. Back at Stamford Bridge last summer, the 22-year-old hardly featured under Thomas Tuchel this term.
Sarr has played just five times in all competitions, as he finds himself behind Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Trevoh Chalobah in the pecking order. Given that the manager has hardly used him, clubs are queuing up to capitalise on his situation by offering him a way out of the west London outfit.
There have been links with a move to Italy, with the likes of AC Milan, Inter Milan and Napoli monitoring him. Now, West Ham United and Watford have also emerged as suitors for the services of the ex-Nice defender.
West Ham United’s aspirations of a top-four finish have taken a hit recently, with performances on the wane. Injuries to Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma have hurt David Moyes’ side, who have kept just one clean sheet in their last ten matches across all competitions. Signing a new centre-back has become a pressing matter for the Hammers if they are to continue pushing for top-four and make progress in Europe.
Several players have been linked over the past few weeks, with Sarr being the latest player emerging as a transfer target. However, they are likely to face competition from Premier League strugglers Watford, who are also looking for a new centre-back in the ongoing window.
With 36 goals in 18 league outings, the Hornets boast one of the worst defensive records in the English top-flight this season. As a result, manager Claudio Ranieri is intent on adding more quality to his backline. A move for Croatian international defender, Domagoj Vida, was believed to be close to completion, but the Hertfordshire outfit are keeping their options open, with Sarr popping up as a viable option.
Both Watford and West Ham United have reportedly asked for information on the 22-year-old’s availability this month. Apart from the Premier League duo, French outfit RC Strasbourg has also inquired. However, the report adds that Sarr is quite happy with his situation in London and is not pressing to leave. So, it remains to be seen if he moves on from Chelsea this month or stays put.
