Chelsea complete transfer of former Nice defender Malang Sarr ahead of season loan

The French youth international was managed by Patrick Vieira last season

Malang Sarr has joined Chelsea (AFP via Getty Images)

Chelsea have completed their fourth senior signing of the transfer window with the addition of Malang Sarr.

The Blues had already snared attackers Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, and added left-back Ben Chilwell on Wednesday. Sarr now follows on a free transfer, having left Ligue 1 side Nice at the end of his contract.

A five-year deal has been given to Sarr by the Stamford Bridge club, who say the 21-year-old will immediately head out on loan for 2020/21 to “gain valuable game time”.

There is no indication of where he will head for the season, including whether it will be in the Premier League or elsewhere, but the France U-21 international is well-regarded and should have no shortage of offers.

Director Marina Granovskaia said “The opportunity to sign Malang was one we could not miss.

“He is a tremendous prospect and we will be monitoring him closely during his loan period, hoping he will soon be back at Chelsea.

“We are very happy to welcome him to the club today.”

Sarr played over 100 games for Nice, mostly at centre-back but also on the left of the back four last season.

He is also eligible for Senegal at international level, but has played for France at every age group, including at the U21 European Championships last year.

Chelsea are still thought to be in the market for a goalkeeper, while Brazilian centre-back Thiago Silva could also join from Paris St Germain.