Chelsea have been linked with a move for Edouard Mendy, but reports indicate that the goalkeeper will not come cheap.
The Blues are in the market for a new goalkeeper as Kepa Arrizabalaga failed to impress Frank Lampard, and his inconsistency and errors cost Chelsea last season.
The Chelsea manager did not think twice about giving Willy Caballero a chance in goal last season, and it remains to be seen if Kepa can earn Lampard’s trust next season.
As per the Telegraph, Chelsea are looking to sign Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, but the French club will only sell the player for a fee in excess of £30million.
Mendy joined Rennes from Stade Reims in August 2019, and put in some impressive displays in goal for the team in the 2019-20 campaign as they finished third in the Ligue 1 table.
Edouard Mendy to Chelsea – Much needed authority in goal?
Kepa’s weaknesses have been well-documented, as the Spaniard has struggled to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League, and has been far too inconsistent with his shot-stopping as well.
The burden of a record transfer fee has done him no favours, but the fact that he has spent two full seasons at the club and is yet to improve is a warning sign, and Chelsea cannot afford to have his error-prone displays in goal next season if they want to challenge for the league title.
Mendy, on the other hand, did exceedingly well for Rennes and helped them finish inside a Champions League qualifying position.
The 28-year old has quick reflexes, as his shot-stopping from point-blank range stood out last season. Mendy averaged 2.5 saves a game last season, of which 1.1 came from shots inside the box.
Both Kepa (28.4) and Mendy (28.7) averaged a similar number of passes a game, and Kepa had better accuracy, although it must be mentioned that Mendy had a lot more long passes than Kepa, so that is an indication of the difference in styles. At Chelsea, Mendy will be expected to play more short passes as the Blues would like to build from the back. (Stats via Whoscored)
Mendy seems like a good imposing figure in goal, but it remains to be seen how he would adapt to the physicality of the Premier League and the set-piece situations.
Chelsea have money to spend, and they need to add more depth and quality to the goalkeeping area. Mendy is experienced at the age of 28, and would be a pretty solid option for the Londoners.
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