CHELSEA have suffered a transfer blow – with Rennes rejecting their offer for star keeper Edouard Mendy.
Blues boss Frank Lampard wants the Senegal international to provide competition for the inconsistent Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Chelsea suffered a blow after Rennes rejected their offer for keeper Edouard Mendy
Mendy has just helped Rennes qualify for the Champions League for the first time, with the modest French club finishing third in Ligue 1.
He kept 13 clean sheets, and conceded just 31 goals in 33 games last season.
Chelsea’s French head of goalkeeping Christophe Lollichon has recommended Normandy-born Mendy to Lampard.
Stamford Bridge officials have since been in contact with their Rennes counterparts about a potential deal for the 28-year-old.
However, sources close to the Brittany club revealed they have turned down a £15million Blues bid for Mendy.
The West Londoners could yet return with an improved offer.
The 6ft 5ins keeper is under contract until 2023. He joined Rennes from Reims last summer for just £3.6m.
Chelsea were linked with a mega-money for for Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak – who has a £109million release clause.
But having closed in on a £140m deas for Kai Havertz, 21, and Ben Chilwell, 23, the Blues are scouting for cheaper alternatives between the posts.
Ajax’s Andre Onana, Burnley’s Nick Pope and even Watford’s Ben Foster have all been linked with Chelsea.
Mendy, who previously played for Cherbourg and Marseille’s B team, has since seen his value skyrocket with a series of impressive displays against France’s biggest clubs.
Born to parents hailing from Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, he opted to play his international football for Senegal’s Teranga Lions – winning eight caps to date.
Chelsea famously signed goalkeeping legend Petr Cech from Rennes, paying £7m for the Czech Republic international.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
