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Chelsea and Everton to battle Man United for highly-rated 18-year-old Ligue 1 starlet

Pape Matar Sarr is a target for Manchester United
Pape Matar Sarr is a target for Manchester United

Chelsea and Everton to battle Manchester United for Pape Sarr

According to L’Equipe (h/t The Mirror), Chelsea and Everton will battle Manchester United for Metz wonderkid Pape Sarr.

The Senegalese youngster came through the ranks at Generation Foot before moving to Ligue 1 side Metz in 2020. He has since progressed to their first team and has also made his senior debut for Senegal.

Despite having had him sign a five-year deal only last year, Metz have a battle on their hands to keep hold of their prized possession.

Chelsea and Everton will battle Manchester United for Metz wonderkid Pape Sarr
Manchester United face competition for Pape Sarr

A box-to-box midfielder, the 18-year-old has already amassed 21 appearances for the French side, scoring three goals. Metz are currently set to considerably improve upon their 15th-place finish from last season. (h/t Transfermarkt)

The youngster is also adept as a defensive midfielder. United could be in the market for such a player this summer and have also been linked with Declan Rice. Sarr has now been touted as an obtainable alternative to the Englishman.

Declan Rice in action for West Ham United. (GETTY Images)
Declan Rice in action for West Ham United. (GETTY Images)

Sarr is not just a player with high potential but is also likely to cost much lesser than the likes of Rice. With a number of positions in need of strengthening, bringing in Sarr could free up funds to be used elsewhere.

With an eye for goal, Sarr is also an effective midfielder going forward. He could be an upgrade over Fred in the seasons to come if he continues to develop as expected. The Brazilian, for all his energy and physicality, does not offer much in the attack.

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United have invested in some of the best young talent available in the market in the past few windows. While it may seem too far fetched to expect all of them to reach their potential, adding more options to the list certainly improves the odds.

Whether Sarr will join their ranks at Old Trafford remains to be seen.

Written by Pranav Nair

An Engineering postgraduate with a keen interest in statistics, pop culture and football.

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