Malang Sarr, Kepa Arrizabalaga closer to leaving Chelsea?

Despite less than a month remaining until the end of the summer transfer window, it has been widely suggested that there could be major incomings and departures at Stamford Bridge.

As it stands, only Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling have joined the first-team squad, seemingly resulting in a reluctance from Thomas Tuchel to reduce his playing numbers.

However, at a time when some of his most experienced players and first-team regulars could be leaving for pastures new, fringe members of the squad are expected to follow in the same way.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are making progress when it comes to engineering exits for Arrizabalaga and Sarr.

Although Arrizabalaga has often been praised for his professionalism by Tuchel, there is an acceptance that the former club-record signing requires regular first-team football.

Each of the Spaniard's 15 appearances last season came before March 2, a scenario which has only increased the 27-year-old's motivation to take on a new challenge.

Over the weekend, it was suggested that Arrizabalaga was closing in on a loan switch to Napoli, and Romano suggests that completion of a transfer may not be far away.

The relevant parties are said to be meeting on Tuesday to speak about a season-long loan switch, it currently unclear whether an option to buy will be included in the arrangement.

Meanwhile, Sarr is also expected to leave the West Londoners over the coming days and weeks, despite proving to be an invaluable squad member last season.

The Frenchman made 16 starts and five substitute appearances in all competitions, and he has effectively been promoted up the pecking order due to the exits of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger.

However, Tuchel wants to bring in at least one more centre-back, and the 23-year-old will be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge on a permanent of temporary basis.

Over the weekend, Fulham were heavily linked with a deal for a player who represents their city neighbours, but Romano says that a number of Ligue 1 clubs are now in talks with Chelsea.

Sarr initially earned his transfer to Chelsea through his performances at Nice, making 113 appearances between 2016 and 2020.