Malang Sarr has reportedly emerged as a loan target for AS Roma, with Chelsea prepared to sanction a temporary move for the defender.
According to a report by Italian outlet AS Roma Live, Malang Sarr could be the next in line to join AS Roma on a loan deal with Chelsea prepared to sanction a move for the 22-year-old French defender.
Roma look prepared to strengthen their squad using the current transfer window to their advantage. The Serie A giants have identified several key targets, namely in defence and midfield, with Jose Mourinho recently confirming they are looking at at least two or three loan signings.
Roma are on the verge of signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Arsenal on a six-month loan deal. The Giallorossi are also thought to be eyeing a pre-contract agreement with Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara, who has only six months left on his current contract.
There is the potential to bring in another readymade star on loan, and Malang Sarr’s name has been mentioned. The Chelsea defender has been on the radars of many clubs across Europe and England but might choose the right opportunity to secure regular game-time.
The 22-year-old has featured just six times across all competitions for Chelsea this term, and the pecking order is too steep for him to overcome. Sarr did start against Tottenham in the Blues’ 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg win at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday but will find regular game time hard to come by again.
As part of Chelsea’s long-standing policy, the club might sanction a loan deal for the defender, with Roma a likely destination. There is plenty of interest from several Premier League clubs, including West Ham United and Watford, but the Blues might prefer to loan him out to a foreign club.
Roma boss Joe Mourinho has deployed a back three for the most part this season and would like to have a player of Sarr’s quality. The 22-year-old defender has the experience of playing in such a system and should slot in comfortably at Stadio Olimpico. AC Milan also are interested in the defender to fill the void left by Simon Kjaer’s injury.
Roma have a decent track record of developing young players vying for regular playing time and nurturing them correctly. The Serie A giants might look to include a purchase option to further their interest, although Chelsea might take the same route Arsenal will reportedly take and sanction just a dry loan for the highly-rated centre-back.