Chelsea transfer news: Strasbourg complete loan deal for unwanted player

Although Petrovic was initially brought in as one of Mauricio Pochettino's backup options for 2023-24, he ultimately established himself as first choice.

The Serbia international impressed during the second half of last season as Chelsea reached the EFL Cup final, FA Cup semi-finals and finished sixth in the Premier League.

However, upon the arrival of Enzo Maresca as head coach, it quickly became apparent that the 24-year-old had no future at Chelsea in the short term.

Maresca showed a preference to Robert Sanchez and gave the green light for Chelsea to sign Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal, with Marcus Bettinelli continuing as third choice.

Strasbourg always the most likely destination

There have been contrasting reports as to whether Petrovic would welcome a switch to Strasbourg - a mid-range French club - having played 31 times for Chelsea in a short space of time.

Nevertheless, both clubs have now confirmed that Petrovic will be linking up with Liam Rosenior's side, who have accumulated four points from their opening two Ligue 1 fixtures.

Possessing a contract at Chelsea until 2030, Petrovic will return to the West Londoners at the end of the season when his situation will seemingly be reassessed.

Strasbourg, who are also owned by BlueCo, have now acquired three players on loan from Chelsea, the others being Caleb Wiley and Andrey Santos.

Diego Moreira has also completed the permanent switch from Chelsea to Stade de la Meinau, the trio all starting the 3-1 victory over Rennes last weekend.

One more to follow...

Having filled their permitted three loan spots involving Chelsea, Strasbourg are unable to bring in any more players from the Premier League outfit on a temporary basis.

That said, Boehly and Clearlake appear ready to facilitate a fifth transaction between the clubs with Deivid Washington in line to sign for Strasbourg in a near-£18m deal.

Should that transfer be finalised, Chelsea would be making a profit on a player who has accumulated just 25 minutes of senior football for the club across three appearances.