Chelsea are leading the race to sign in-demand defender Malang Sarr, according to a report.

The 21-year-old has previously been touted as a target for Arsenal and Barcelona after impressing for Nice, where his contract expired at the end of last season.

Barca are believed to have been in talks with the player's agent, but Telefoot reports that Chelsea are now the clear favourites to sign the France youth international on a free transfer.

Chelsea are said to be confident of wrapping up the signing by the end of the week, with a medical potentially being set up for the coming days.

Frank Lampard's men have been busy ahead of next season, having already brought in Hakim Ziyech from Ajax and Timo Werner from RB Leipzig.

Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva may also join on a free transfer, while Ben Chilwell and Kai Havertz are supposedly on the verge of signing.