Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos have seemingly had roles in one player’s decision to move to Chelsea this summer.
Chelsea announced the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town last week, but the striker is not the only new face at Cobham.
While deals were agreed earlier in the year, the Blues have just added Mamadou Sarr and Dario Essugo to their squad.
More new signings could join the trio at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea’s pursuit of Jamie Gittens set to continue when the transfer window opens again next Monday.
Mamadou Sarr spoke to Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos before joining Chelsea
Sarr could make his Chelsea debut at this year’s Club World Cup, and Lavia and Santos are one reason why the defender will be an option for Enzo Maresca at the tournament.
The player himself has revealed that he spoke to Lavia, Santos and a couple of more Chelsea players before deciding to join the Blues.
In an interview with Chelsea’s official website, Sarr said: “I know Romeo a bit. I played against him, we spoke a bit and he’s a good guy. I spoke with Malo [Gusto] before coming here, and Romeo a bit, and Andrey and Djordje [Petrovic].”
The 19-year-old has a lot of competition ahead of him, though, so winning and keeping a starting spot may not be easy.
Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile are the other fit central defenders in Maresca’s squad.
Chelsea could also sign Jorrel Hato in the next transfer window, but if Sarr impresses in the US, there may not be an actual reason for the club to bring in another centre-back.
Mamadou Sarr compares himself to Liverpool star
Following Sarr’s arrival, Chelsea now have a fourth French central defender on their books. The list includes the former Strasbourg man, Badiashile, Wesley Fofana and Axel Disasi.
Liverpool also have their own French star, Ibrahima Konate, and Sarr has actually compared himself to the 26-year-old.
Sarr was asked which player he is similar to, and the new Chelsea signing responded with Konate. Chelsea reportedly enquired about signing Konate earlier this year, with the France international’s contract running down.
