Report: West Ham now want 22-year-old Chelsea player

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West Ham are one of the sides interested in signing Malang Sarr from Chelsea during the January transfer window, according to a report from French outlet Foot Mercato.

Sarr has been an intriguing signing for the Blues. He arrived in 2020 following the end of his contract with Nice. However, he spent the large majority of last season on loan with Porto.

He has been in Thomas Tuchel’s plans so far this term. But he has only featured once in the Premier League.

In fairness, he was lauded by many Chelsea fans following his display in the 1-0 win at Brentford in October. Tuchel meanwhile, described his performance as ‘very, very good’. And since then, he has almost been an ever-present on the Blues bench.

But perhaps he may now get the chance to leave in January. Foot Mercato reports that a host of clubs want the 22-year-old.

The Hammers are vying with Watford and Strasbourg for the centre-back’s signature. It is noted that Sarr is happy to stay at Stamford Bridge beyond the winter window.

West Ham not signing defender will be bigger risk than taking gamble on Malang Sarr

West Ham certainly need to strengthen at the heart of their defence this month. Angelo Ogbonna is out for the season. And they have also been without Kurt Zouma of late.

Signing Sarr would potentially appear to be a bit of a gamble given his lack of game-time. But he did extremely well out of nowhere when brought in for that clash with the Bees.

And of course, West Ham got the best out of Jesse Lingard last season despite the midfielder not playing a single minute in the top-flight before his move.

It is not clear what sort of move West Ham are looking at with Sarr. But it is fair to say that it would be a real gamble to let the window close without a new defender coming in.