Fulham have reportedly tabled an offer for Chelsea defender Malang Sarr as Marco Silva looks to reinforce his defensive department.
According to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, Chelsea centre-back Malang Sarr is a subject of a transfer offer from fellow London club Fulham, who want to strengthen their options at centre-back ahead of the new season.
Fulham are back in the Premier League after cruising to the EFL Championship title last season. And manager Marco Silva has been busy in the transfer window, assembling a squad that can tackle the challenge ahead and help the Cottagers maintain their Premier League status by avoiding relegation.
Fulham have already made four signings this summer in the form of Kevin Mbabu, Manor Solomon (loan), Andreas Pereira and Joao Palhinha. However, Silva remains keen on more additions, with at least one new centre-back on the club’s agenda.
A move for a new central defender makes sense as well, considering Fulham released Alfie Mawson and Michael Hector after the expiry of his contracts. It has left the Londoners with Tosin Adarabioyo, Terence Kongolo and veteran star Tim Ream as the only natural options at the heart of the defence.
Hence, Silva and Fulham are gunning for a new centre-half in the market and have identified multiple targets. An offer has been already tabled for West Ham United star Issa Diop. But, simultaneously, they have submitted bids for three other central defenders, one of which is Chelsea star Malang Sarr.
The 23-year-old centre-back joined Chelsea in the summer of 2020 on a Bosman deal after his contract with OGC Nice ran down. Sarr was immediately loaned out to FC Porto, where he did not enjoy much game-time. Back at Chelsea last summer, the Frenchman was expected to be sold. However, manager Thomas Tuchel kept hold of him and used him as a squad rotation player.
Sarr played 21 matches last season and put in some good displays, although he was not exactly a consistent performer. But, it seems like he has done enough to convince Fulham, who have now tabled an offer for his signing. However, the report from Dharmesh Sheth does not reveal the value of the bid made by the Cottagers.
But, Chelsea will likely be reluctant to let go of the 23-year-old this summer amidst their own defensive crisis. Having lost Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, the Blues are struggling to adequately replace the pair. Kalidou Koulibaly has arrived from Napoli, but Tuchel is keen on adding at least one more defender, which could become two if Cesar Azpilicueta also leaves.
However, Chelsea have faced constant setbacks in pursuit of their targets as Nathan Ake decided to stay put at Manchester City whereas Matthijs de Ligt and Jules Kounde chose Bayern Munich and Barcelona over the Blues, respectively. Presnel Kimpembe was another target, but the Frenchman has reportedly opted to continue at PSG, leaving Chelsea in a precarious situation.
Given the circumstances, it would not be a surprise if Chelsea refuse to sell Sarr to Fulham, as he is only one of the four natural centre-backs at Tuchel’s disposal. It could force the Cottagers to look elsewhere as they continue their search for a new central defender.
