Chelsea are prepared to let Mamadou Sarr leave on loan this summer, with the club preferring the 20-year-old centre-back to gain experience at a Premier League side. Standard Sport understands that while several options exist elsewhere, a move within England's top flight is the preferred destination for the defender.
Xabi Alonso to hold talks over Sarr's future
Xabi Alonso, Chelsea's head coach, is expected to hold talks with Sarr to determine his future. The Blues have not ruled out keeping the former Strasbourg captain at the club next season, but a loan move is seen as beneficial for his development. Sarr joined Chelsea last summer in a £12 million deal from BlueCo-owned Strasbourg and was part of Enzo Maresca's squad that won the Club World Cup.
Limited appearances after recall
Sarr moved back to Strasbourg ahead of the 2025/26 season before being recalled by Chelsea on Deadline Day in the January transfer window. After returning to Chelsea, he made just six appearances in all competitions and was left out of the squad for the FA Cup final in May. His most notable appearance came when Liam Rosenior handed him a surprise start against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last-16. Sarr struggled to keep pace with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and was substituted at half-time, with PSG winning 3-0 on the night.
Defensive changes expected at Chelsea
There is expected to be plenty of movement in Chelsea's defence this summer. The club is open to letting Trevoh Chalobah leave permanently. The England international, who is keen on a move abroad, is attracting interest from several clubs, including Serie A side Como. Chelsea also hold an interest in Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, though they have yet to submit an official bid. Palace are determined to hold out for a sizeable fee for the French international.
Alonso open to selling Garnacho
Elsewhere, Alonso revealed at his unveiling earlier this week that the club is open to selling Alejandro Garnacho on a permanent deal just a year after his £40 million move from Manchester United. Garnacho missed the start of Chelsea's pre-season, with the club working on facilitating a move for the 22-year-old.
