Chelsea in Negotiations for Defender Exchange with Strasbourg

Chelsea FC is currently in discussions to recall defender Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg, with Aaron Anselmino anticipated to travel to the French club as part of this exchange. Both players are 20 years old and represent central defense positions.

This proposed trade occurs within the framework of clubs owned by the same consortium, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, under the BlueCo banner. The negotiations unfold during a challenging winter transfer window for Chelsea, which is also exploring a significant deal to acquire Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet.

Jacquet, also 20, could potentially join Chelsea either imminently or during the summer transfer window. However, Rennes is keen to retain him for the remainder of the season, especially in light of interest from rival club Liverpool.

Anselmino was recently recalled from his loan at Borussia Dortmund, where he was seen in tears while bidding farewell to his teammates. Reports from Germany indicate that Dortmund officials were taken aback by Chelsea’s decision, which was communicated a mere three hours before a recall clause was set to expire. Dortmund expressed their disappointment over the abrupt termination of Anselmino’s loan.

Chelsea officials were frustrated by Dortmund’s public statements regarding their desire to secure Anselmino permanently, despite Chelsea’s clear stance of not making the player available for transfer.

Sarr is expected to play in Strasbourg’s upcoming home match against Paris Saint-Germain, which may mark his final appearance for the club in Alsace. Last January, Chelsea completed their first permanent signing from Strasbourg following the acquisition of both clubs by BlueCo, securing Sarr for £12 million.

Sarr had previously made a substitute appearance for Chelsea during their victory in the Club World Cup before returning to Strasbourg on loan in August. Liam Rosenior, Chelsea’s newly appointed head coach, had previously characterized Sarr as possessing “scary” potential and the ability to become “world-class” during his tenure at Strasbourg last season.

The anticipated return of Sarr, following his successful stint in the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, may incite discontent among Strasbourg supporters. Tensions had already escalated among a minority of fans earlier this season, particularly after Rosenior’s departure from the club to replace Enzo Maresca, who had experienced friction with senior Chelsea officials.

Despite Chelsea’s defense ranking only 11th in expected goals (xG) against in the Premier League, they have managed to concede the joint-third fewest goals. The recall of Sarr could provide a short-term defensive boost, while the club seeks to strengthen its lineup by securing long-term target Jacquet.