Watford shatter club-transfer record for Ligue 1 starlet

Watford have confirmed the arrival of Rennes winger Ismaila Sarr in a club-record fee worth a reported €35m (£32.3m).

The Hornets have been locked in talks with their French counterparts for most of the summer but have finally secured Sarr’s services on a five-year deal until the summer of 2024.

Javi Gracia’s side have eclipsed the £18.5m fee they paid Burnley to sign Andre Gray almost two years to the day.

Sarr is the second offensive addition Watford have made in as many days after they beat Everton to the free transfer of former Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck.

Watford have now made six signings this summer and look well placed to build on last season’s 11th place finish in the Premier League.

Sarr, who has previously been linked with Arsenal played a direct hand in 14 goals in 35 league appearances for Rennes last season.

The 21-year-old was also eye-catching in this summer’s Africa Cup of Nations where he helped Senegal make the final.

In fact, only Sadio Mane (23) completed more dribbles than Sarr (17) at the tournament and the Watford winger only started four games.