Chelsea sign Strasbourg defender Mamadou Sarr on eight-year deal

Chelsea have signed 19-year-old defender Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg on an eight-year deal.

The France Under-19 international played 27 times in Ligue 1 last season, his first full campaign in the top flight, as they – managed by Liam Rosenior – finished seventh to qualify for the Conference League.

Strasbourg are owned by Chelsea’s parent company BlueCo, with Sarr to become the latest player to have spent time at both clubs.

Central defence is considered a priority for strengthening this summer after a season in which injuries badly disrupted that area of the pitch.

First-choice Wesley Fofana made only 14 appearances in the Premier League last term and his availability prospects are a concern, the former Leicester defender having been fit to play just 29 times in the league in the three seasons since he moved to Stamford Bridge.

At 19, Sarr is unlikely to be put straight into the team, meaning at present, Enzo Maresca’s side are dependent on Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile as their fit senior central defenders ahead of the Club World Cup.