Chelsea edge ‘close to agreeing £17m’ for 19-year-old defender starring in Ligue 1 as the Blues splash the case on yet another teenager

Chelsea are edging closer towards agreeing a deal for 19-year-old Mamadou Sarr to join the club from sister side RC Strasbourg, according to reports.

The centre-back has starred in Ligue 1 this season and played an influential role in Strasbourg’s rise to mid-table stability as they attempt to avoid relegation, but could now be set to make a Premier League switch.

BlueCo – the consortium led by American Todd Boehly that purchased Chelsea two-years ago –  paid £65m for a majority stake in the French top-flight side in June 2023.

There are strict rules around players being sold between sister clubs as Man United found out when pursuing Jean-Clair Todibo last summer, but a deal for Sarr to join Chelsea is now being worked on.

Sarr only joined Strasbourg from Marseille in the previous transfer window and a deal believed to be in the region of £17m is now close to being agreed, as reported by RMC Sport.

However, despite Chelsea’s current defensive injury issues that has seen several stars sidelined, Sarr is set to be loaned back to Strasbourg until the end of the season.

Blues boss Enzo Maresca is keen to bring in January reinforcements amid several injury concerns

The highly-rated defender has been an influential figure in Liam Rosenior’s side this season where after missing the opening three games of the season has gone on to become a regular starter.

Sarr has started 12 of his 14 Ligue 1 appearances this season with his most recent performances helping Strasbourg mount a five-match unbeaten run.

Blues boss Enzo Maresca is keen to bring in January reinforcements amid several injury concerns as Chelsea look to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Speaking ahead of Monday’s trip to face Wolves, Maresca explained several players could miss the Premier League encounter, stating: ‘We have Cole and Levi not in the session, Enzo not in the session, Romeo not in the session. 

‘Four players who are a doubt because of the last game [against Bournemouth. 

‘Disaster! On the pitch, it’s normal that you judge results. We are in a business where we all judge results. 

‘If we judge the performance of the team, I am happy. I am not happy about the second half against Bournemouth,’ he added.