Mamadou Sarr is due in London on Monday ahead of returning to Chelsea according to journalist Fabrice Hawkins.
Chelsea agreed a deal with Strasbourg for Sarr last summer thought to be worth around £12m, and he made his debut at the Club World Cup.
However, the decision was taken to send him back to France for the season to continue his development in Ligue 1.
Mamadou Sarr due in London on Monday ahead of Chelsea return
Sarr has impressed in France, and also played very well for Senegal at the African Cup of Nations, in which they beat Morocco 1-0 in the final.
Chelsea have been looking for a new centre back this month, and have been trying to agree a deal with Rennes for Jeremy Jacquet.
Mamadou Sarr on the ball.
Sarr is reportedly expected in London on Monday ahead of Chelsea return. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
It seems any deal agreed this month would be with a view to arriving in the summer, so it wouldn’t solve Chelsea’s immediate need for a new centre back.
The Blues recalled Aaron Anselmino from Borussia Dortmund, and it now transpires he will be the Sarr replacement.
Anselmino has agreed to join Strasbourg on loan, and Hawkins have provided an update on the future of Sarr.
He took to X.com and said:
“Exclusive Mamadou Sarr is expected in London this Monday.
“Chelsea will terminate the loan of the Senegalese international to Strasbourg.
“Aaron Anselmino will go the other way and will be loaned to Strasbourg.”
Liam Rosenior gets his man
It’s been reported Rosenior wanted Sarr back, and it makes sense given he’s worked with the 20-year-old for 18 months in France.
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It will be interesting to see how he does, and how often he plays for the remainder of the season, but it’s clear Rosenior feels he’s a good fit for his brand of football.
Currently Chelsea’s best pairing is Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah, and it will be interesting to see what Rosenior’s plan is for the Senegal international.