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Mamadou Sarr and Aaron Anselmino Chelsea are in talks to recall Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg, with Aaron Anselmino expected to move in the opposite direction to the French club. The proposed exchange of the two 20‑year‑old central defenders is set to take place between clubs under the same Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership group, named Blue Co. It comes amid a complicated end to Chelsea's winter transfer window, with the club also in discussions over a substantial deal to sign Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet. Jacquet, also 20, could join imminently or in the summer, but Rennes are keen to avoid losing him in the middle of the season. Chelsea want to secure his signature amid interest from Liverpool. Anselmino was recalled from his loan at Borussia Dortmund last week and was filmed in tears as he said goodbye to team‑mates in Germany. Reports there said Dortmund were "incensed" and caught by surprise by Chelsea's decision, which is understood to have been communicated three hours before a clause permitting a recall expired. Dortmund said they "regretted" the sudden departure. Chelsea were frustrated that Dortmund officials went public about their intention to sign Anselmino permanently, despite being told he was not for sale under any circumstances. Sarr is expected to feature in Strasbourg's home match against Paris St‑Germain on Sunday night, but it is likely to be his final appearance for the Alsace club. Last January Chelsea completed their first permanent signing from Strasbourg since the two clubs came under the same Blue Co ownership, in a £12m deal. Sarr made one substitute appearance for Chelsea as they won the Club World Cup in the summer before returning to Strasbourg on loan in August. Recently appointed Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior described Sarr as "my son", with "scary" potential to become "world class" during his spell in charge of Strasbourg last season. The defender's expected return, after winning the Africa Cup of Nations as a starter for Senegal in January, is likely to provoke anger among Strasbourg supporters. Protests from a minority of fans earlier in the season intensified when Rosenior left the club to replace Enzo Maresca, who had fallen out with senior figures at Chelsea and departed on New Year's Day. Chelsea's defence has not performed at the level of their attack in the Premier League this season and they rank only 11th for expected goals (x G) against despite having conceded the joint-third fewest goals. Yet Chelsea can strengthen their defence in the short term by bringing back a player Rosenior likes working with, while also moving to secure long‑term target Jacquet. Latest Chelsea news, analysis and fan views Ask about Chelsea - what do you want to know? Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Premier League: Late drama as Man Utd retake lead over Fulham in stoppage time Mbappe injury-time penalty gives Real Madrid laboured win Bethell falls as England slip to 38-2 in chase of 190 to beat Sri Lanka What happens to our brains when we're under anesthesia? Voyager’s epic journey into deep space Former Olympian Steve Cram CBE reveals the secrets to running The most improbable hotel makeover of the Hebrides Happy tennis, serious name - the making of Carlos Alcaraz Why 2026 could be GB's most successful Winter Olympics The most powerful woman in football - meet game's first female super agent 'Torres-like' Ekitike haunts long-term admirers Newcastle A Slam four years in the making - Rybakina's return to top I never stopped believing - Calvert-Lewin Your Winter Olympics need-to-know guide in six charts Nine siblings and a dog called Zoomer - Wirtz in his own words Djokovic steals show as Australian Open finally ignites Barcelona 'shakedown' offers first hints of F1 2026 Cages, crushes and stabbings - is European away safety getting worse? The NFL's 'Queen's Gambit' who helped create $1. 5bn worth of talent Record-breaking World Cup, so why no title sponsor for domestic league? Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.