Chelsea now set to sign £16.9m star considered one of the most talented players of his generation - journalist

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Chelsea are close to securing their first signing of the winter transfer window – having spent most of January working on outgoings.

TBR Football understand Chelsea want to offload Axel Disasi – with Aston Villa and Juventus making approaches for the France international so far.

Sources have also informed TBR Football that Bayern Munich admire Christopher Nkunku – who Chelsea are willing to sell for a sum of £65m.

Now – however – significant progress has been made regarding an incoming, with Chelsea close to signing Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg.

Chelsea reach Mamadou Sarr agreement

Fabrice Hawkins has now revealed that Chelsea are all set to sign the 19-year-old from their sister club Strasbourg.

The reliable journalist states that an agreement has been reached with Sarr over a long-term contract, while a sum of €20m (£16.9m) has been agreed with Strasbourg.

Hawkins adds that the Ligue 1 outfit will keep the teenager on loan for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign, before he links up with Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge this summer.

The France U20 international has made 12 appearances in Ligue 1 so far this season in the centre of defence, helping Strasbourg sit tenth in the table.

Big things are expected of Mamadou Sarr

£16.9m may seem like a lot to spend on a relatively unproven teenager, but Sarr is a precocious talent worth taking the gamble on.

Football Talent Scout have even described the Strasbourg No.23 as one of the most talented prospects of his generation in France – adding that he has the potential to become a key player for a top European club.

Of course, Sarr has a lot of work to do at Chelsea this summer if he is to make Maresca’s starting XI – with the likes of Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong and Benoit Badiashile already at Stamford Bridge.

Having said that, if the Martigues-born sensation lives up to the hype, he could well break into the lineup quickly than people expect.