Chelsea confirm departure of defender as they close in on Hato signing

Chelsea have announced that defender Mamadou Sarr has re-joined Strasbourg on loan.

The Blues signed the 19-year-old from the Ligue 1 side, who are also owned by Chelsea’s owners BlueCo, this summer in a deal worth around £12m.

But the Frenchman has now returned to his former club, where he will spend the season.

He follows fellow Chelsea youngster Kendry Paez, who has also joined Strasbourg on loan following his arrival at the Blues this summer.

Goalkeeper Mike Penders has also joined the Ligue 1 side on loan, while Mathis Amougou completed a permanent move to the club earlier this summer having only arrived at Chelsea in January.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are trying to complete the signing of Netherlands international Jorrel Hato from Ajax.

They are also keen on signing his Netherlands team-mate Xavi Simons.