Chelsea defender Sarr ‘not up to scratch’

Malang Sarr doesn’t have what it takes to be a first-team regular for Chelsea, according to Darren Bent.

Speaking on Talksport, the former England and Tottenham striker insisted Chelsea will need to recruit well to compensate for the loss of Antonio Rudiger – especially as fellow centre-back Andreas Christensen is also expected to leave Stamford Bridge.

And while Bent believes Trevoh Chalobah is a defender to be reckoned with, he does not think Sarr can step up following Rudiger’s departure.

Bent said: “It’s going to be a big, big miss. They’re going to have to replace two because Christensen looks like he’s going to Barcelona.

“Sarr I don’t think is up to scratch. I like Trevoh Chalobah though. They’re going to have to recruit really well.”

Rudiger is expected to sign for Real Madrid, having reportedly rejected a £200,000-a-week deal to stay at Chelsea.

But Bent does believe the German defender can be accused of moving for financial reasons.

He said: “I don’t think it’s for money. No disrespect, if he was joining Newcastle, you’d go ‘Hmmm. He might be doing that for the money because the board are paying him a big whack’.

“But the fact he’s going to one of the most iconic clubs in Real Madrid – that have won more European cups than anyone – I don’t think you can simply throw that ‘Oh, he’s going for money’- because he’s going to Real Madrid.

“Still, by name, they’re arguably the biggest club in the world. I’m sure money has swayed it a little bit. But this is Real Madrid, come on. How can you turn your nose up at that?”