Chelsea are reportedly keen to hold onto Malang Sarr who has been attracting attention from Premier League newcomers Fulham.
According to London Evening Standard, Premier League giants Chelsea are set to block any efforts by London rivals Fulham to sign young French centre-back Malang Sarr.
The Chelsea defender is far from a first choice at Stamford Bridge. However, Sarr has had his chances and has performed decently when called upon. The 23-year-old might be set for a bigger role in the upcoming campaign should the club fail to add to their central defensive roster.
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen departed from Stamford Bridge earlier this summer, leaving a massive hole at the heart of the Blues’ defence. While signing Kalidou Koulibaly has mitigated it to an extent, Thomas Tuchel needs to bring in at least one or two more defenders to plug the void.
As things stand, apart from Koulibaly, veteran Brazilian defender Thiago Silva is the club’s lone senior centre-back. Trevoh Chalobah and Sarr have shown promise but are far from seasoned performers capable of holding their own against some of the best teams in Europe. If Chelsea are serious about challenging for trophies, they must bring in impactful players.
Newly promoted Fulham are keen to land Sarr and have reached out to Chelsea regarding the same. While the Blues are not against selling the player, they will hold off on a decision until another central defender has been signed.
The club’s stance is understandable given that the Premier League season is less than a week away. It will be suicidal for them to approach the term having sold Sarr and with just three central defenders on the roster to call upon.
The Frenchman’s chances of developing into a first XI player at Stamford Bridge appear remote. A move to Craven Cottage would allow him to play regularly and further his development. The 23-year-old is also a step below the quality that a club such like Chelsea demand. Letting him move on after bringing in a dependable centre-back is in everyone’s interests.
A good passer of the ball, Sarr has enough about him to suggest that a career in the top flight is on the cards. He will, however, have to do much better if he is to succeed at a club of Chelsea’s stature, giving Fulham the chance to land him.