Chelsea confirm latest departure but close in on signing

Chelsea defender Mamadou Sarr has joined Real Sociedad on a season-long loan as the Blues continue to reshape their squad before the transfer deadline.

Sarr, who joined Chelsea from Strasbourg last summer, has made seven appearances for the club.

The 20-year-old will now spend the season in La Liga with Real Sociedad as Chelsea monitor his progress in the Basque Country.

Chelsea are also continuing their transfer business at the other end of the pitch, having agreed a £7.5million deal to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez.

The Argentina international is set to add further competition to Chelsea’s goalkeeping options.

But more departures are also expected before the window shuts.

Enzo Fernandez was left out of the Chelsea squad for the Carabao Cup win over Luton and it is expected that Manchester City will make an offer for him in the coming days.

Tosin could also depart having fallen out of favour under Xabi Alonso, while Dario Essugo is expected to leave on loan.

Nicolas Jackson is closing in on a move to Aston Villa, meanwhile, while Marc Guiu is also expected to leave either on loan or permanently.

Mykhailo Mudryk is being lined up for a loan move with several clubs keen.