It is looking increasingly unlikely that Chelsea will sign Jeremy Jacquet in this transfer window.
Rennes do not want to sell Jacquet this month in a blow to Chelsea, who are keen to improve their central defence.
However, they have still managed to add another centre-back to their squad after recalling Aaron Anselmino from his loan at Borussia Dortmund.
Discussion: You’re Chelsea manager, which centre-back would you sign?
A move for Jacquet hangs in the balance…
Carragher questions Jacquet signing
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Anselmino was not the only option that new manager Liam Rosenior had, though.
Mamadou Sarr of Chelsea looks on
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Liam Rosenior had Aaron Anselmino and Mamadou Sarr to choose from
Mamadou Sarr was another centre-back who was allowed to leave Chelsea to join a different team temporarily last summer.
The 20-year-old signed for Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg and had been identified as an alternative to Jacquet.
According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea put the option of recalling Anselmino or Sarr in front of Rosenior. However, after discussions, the club and Rosenior both decided to bring back the former instead.
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Borussia Dortmund's Aaron Anselmino and Strasbourg's Mamadou Sarr
Photo by Frederic Scheidemann/Getty Images/Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images
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That is not the worst development for Sarr, who can continue to progress at Strasbourg. The Senegal international, who recently won the Africa Cup of Nations with his country, is having a good season in France.
As for Anselmino, he was also performing in Germany, hence Dortmund’s fury at Chelsea’s decision to recall him so late in the transfer window.
Aaron Anselmino of Borussia Dortmund (C) sits on the bench
Photo by Sebastian El-Saqqa – firo sportphoto/Getty Images
Mamadou Sarr leading in two areas at Strasbourg
Sarr remaining at Strasbourg is great news for the French club, especially after losing Rosenior to Chelsea. Supporters would have had another reason to be angry with BlueCo had Sarr been recalled.
Currently, he leads the charts for clearances and average passes per game in Gary O’Neil’s squad.
According to WhoScored, Sarr makes 4.4 clearances and completes 67.9 passes per match in Ligue 1. It shows that the Chelsea loanee is a central defender who can get on the ball but also deal with danger.
Had Chelsea not been able to recall Anselmino, he could have been a great option for the Blues.
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