Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign highly-rated teenage defender Mamadou Sarr from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, according to The Athletic. The deal, worth €14 million (£11.9m; $14.4m), will see the 19-year-old join the Blues at the end of the 2024-25 season.

Sarr, who has already impressed in France’s top flight, only moved to Strasbourg last summer from Olympique Lyonnais in a €10m deal. His upcoming transfer will net Strasbourg a €4m profit in less than a year, showcasing his growing value on the European stage.

The France youth international, who was part of the nation’s European Under-17 Championship-winning squad in 2022, is also eligible to represent Senegal. His versatility, composure on the ball, and defensive prowess have made him one of the most promising young centre-backs in Ligue 1.

Both Strasbourg and Chelsea are owned by BlueCo, the multi-club ownership group, which has facilitated several collaborations between the teams. Notably, Chelsea players Djordje Petrovic, Caleb Wiley, and Andrey Santos are currently on loan at the French club, further strengthening ties between the sides.

This signing bolsters Chelsea’s already deep defensive options under manager Enzo Maresca. Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill have been his preferred central defensive pairing this season, but competition is fierce, with Trevoh Chalobah recently recalled from Crystal Palace, alongside the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, and rising academy talent Josh Acheampong.

With Sarr’s arrival lined up, the future of Chelsea’s defense appears to be in safe hands as the club continues its strategy of investing in young, elite talents. Fans will be eager to see how Sarr integrates into Maresca’s squad once he officially makes the move to Stamford Bridge next summer.