Nottingham Forest target Ismaïla Sarr opposed to Marseille exit | OneFootball

Amidst reported interest from Nottingham Forest and Villarreal, Ismaïla Sarr (25) is keen to remain at Olympique de Marseille this month, according to L’Équipe.

Whilst Sarr only joined Marseille for €13m from Watford last summer, rumours of a departure this month are swirling. The winger, who following Senegal’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will now return to OM, featured prominently at the start of the season, but the change of manager has not been kind to him. Sarr has been utilised less frequently by Gennaro Gattuso, whose system isn’t a perfect match for Sarr’s characteristics.

Marseille are still looking to secure incomings this month, however, with their wage bill being closely surveyed by the DNCG, departures are a necessity for Les Phocéens, and Sarr is viewed as an expendable asset by the club’s hierarchy.

Sarr is garnering interest, not only from Nottingham Forest, who have made contact with the player’s entourage but also by Villarreal, who are managed by former OM manager Marcelino. However, L’Équipe understand that Sarr is opposed to a departure this month.

Speaking exclusively to Get French Football News in December, Sarr said that he is “happy” at Marseille. However, with Les Phocéens looking to free up space on their wage bill, the decision to remain at the Vélodrome may not be entirely his to make.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle