Chelsea will not allow Malang Sarr to leave the club this summer until they have signed at least one more centre-back after blocking Fulham’s bid for the defender, according to reports.
Sarr, who joined Chelsea back in 2020 on a five-year contract, has been given a chance in pre-season but has attracted the interest of Premier League new-boys Fulham, who are on the look-out for more defenders to boost their survival chances in the 2022/23 season.
It was reported by The Athletic that Fulham had made offers for four defenders, including Sarr, which were both a loan and permanent bid.
Fulham boss Marcos Silva said: “I will tell you one more. No one can prepare a season with two central defenders at this level.
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“Everyone that understands football can see we need at least five or six players, that is clear, if we want to be competitive.
“These players need help to be competitive in the training every day.
"We cannot be now five weeks in the pre-season with two central defenders.”
However, it’s bad news for Fulham in their pursuit of Sarr this summer. As reported by Nizaar Kinsella of the Evening Standard, Chelsea have blocked a move for the 23-year-old
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Thomas Tuchel will not let the central defender leave until they sign a new defender themselves, amid interest in Leicester City’s Wesley Fofana.
Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta has already been met with frustration due to the Blues stalling a move to Barcelona as they eye defensive incomings, and Sarr is next to join the list.
Chelsea have already signed Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, but have failed in their attempts to sign Jules Kounde, Matthijs de Ligt and Nathan Ake this summer.
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Fofana, 21 of Leicester City, is wanted but Chelsea know a deal will be difficult to complete for the France international, with Brendan Rodgers insisting he is not for sale after he signed a long-term contract in March.
“Naturally, he’s a top talent,” Rodgers said.
“He’s not for sale. He still has lots of improvements to make. He’s very happy here, he really enjoys being here.
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“Naturally he will attract the interest of other clubs.
"Our job, in not signing anyone so far, is to at least keep the players we have. I know that’s the intention of the club.”
There are around four weeks left of the transfer window and for Chelsea, they have an exit route for Sarr on the table, it’s now just finding incomings to give the green light to his departure should they allow him to leave after two seasons at the club.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Fulham, Chelsea, Football, Premier League, Thomas Tuchel