Malang Sarr joins AS Monaco on loan with obligation to buy for £13 million

Chelsea defender Malang Sarr has joined AS Monaco on a season-long loan, it has been confirmed.

The defender made 19 appearances for the Blues in all competitions last season after a loan move to the Bundesliga collapsed on deadline day.

Sarr impressed Thomas Tuchel, who blocked a departure in the January transfer window.

However, after Chelsea confirmed the signing of Marc Cucurella, Sarr was allowed to leave the club.

Chelsea defender Malang Sarr (31) competes for the ball against Arsenal midfielder Bukayo Saka (7) during the Florida Cup Series Arsenal vs Chelsea FC. (Alamy)

Sarr will return to France, where he was before joining Chelsea on a free transfer back in 2020.

Chelsea confirmed that Sarr has departed on a temporary basis, stating: “Malang Sarr will spend the 2022/23 season on loan at Monaco.”

The defender has three years remaining on his deal at Stamford Bridge but it has been reported that he could join Monaco on a permanent basis if certain terms are met in his loan.

After completing his medical, Fabrizio Romano reported that there is a clause of  around €15 million for the French side to buy Sarr, which could become mandatory.

Matt Law added to this stating that the clause is actually an obligation to buy, meaning that the deal will become a permanent one at the end of his year-long loan.

It remains to be seen whether the defender will leave for good at the end of the season, with Thiago Silva out of contract in 2023.

Levi Colwill will be returning from his loan spell at Brighton and Hove Albion, looking to impress Tuchel and a spot in the back three could be up for grabs.

Tuchel has recently discussed the need to plan for a future without Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta due to their ages, which makes Sarr’s exit somewhat of a surprise.

Malang Sarr with his hands up during Arsenal defeat. (Chelsea FC)

He said: “We need to make sure we have a new generation to take over in the next years but the guys are strong, that is why they have our trust. Yes, there needs to be a balance.

“The game, in general, is very physical and demands a lot. Azpi is the legend that he is, Thiago is still very important to us. 

"When we had the chance to sign Kalidou we did it because we believe he has some years ahead of him. 

“But, in general, it is the fact that — like the goalkeeper and the two holding midfielders — they are in their thirties and that is just what it is.”

Sarr will be hoping to impress back in Ligue 1 as Monaco look to compete with the best teams in France once again.