Chelsea are preparing to table a €45 million offer for Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Blues identified midfield reinforcements as a priority after a quiet January window where no business was completed. Strengthening the squad across multiple positions remains crucial for the London club as they plan for next season.
According to Africa Foot, Chelsea have informed Lens of their concrete interest in Sangare. The Mali international has impressed during the current campaign with Lens, challenging PSG for the Ligue 1 title.
Chelsea are looking at the 22-year-old as someone who can reduce the workload on Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in central midfield. But with Enzo Fernandez linked with a possible exit, he can well be forced to fill in for the Argentine at Stamford Bridge.
Lens don’t want to lose Mamadou Sangare this summer
Lens prefer keeping Sangare for at least one more season despite Chelsea’s interest.
The French club sits just one point behind Paris Saint-Germain in the Ligue 1 table and considers the midfielder integral to their title push. Losing him would significantly weaken their squad at a critical moment in their development.
Sangare has featured 31 times across all competitions this season, contributing two goals and three assists.
His performances in central midfield demonstrate maturity beyond his years. The Mali international combines defensive discipline with progressive passing, qualities that appeal to clubs seeking complete midfielders.
Chelsea are not the only PL club vying for Mamadou Sangare
Chelsea are not alone in pursuing Sangare. Tottenham, Manchester United, West Ham and Crystal Palace all monitor his situation closely.
Saudi Arabian clubs have also made enquiries about his availability. The competition for his signature could escalate the transfer fee beyond Chelsea’s initial €45 million valuation.
Chelsea also maintain interest in Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson as alternative midfield targets. Reports suggest the Blues are close to finalizing a deal for Valentin Barco. However, Sangare represents a different profile with more defensive attributes compared to other targets on Chelsea’s shortlist.
Bringing in a defender still remains a priority at the Bridge
Despite midfield interest, centre-back remains Chelsea’s most urgent need. The team has kept just three clean sheets in their last 14 matches.
Liam Rosenior’s side struggles defensively and requires quality additions at the back. Missing out on Jeremy Jacquet to Liverpool earlier this season highlighted their defensive recruitment issues.
Levi Colwill’s return from injury will provide some relief. However, Chelsea needs a proven starter to properly address their defensive vulnerabilities. Whether they prioritize solving the defensive crisis before pursuing Sangare remains unclear, but the centre-back position demands immediate attention ahead of the summer window.
