CHELSEA are closing in on the signing of Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, with the French club’s chief admitting that talks are underway.
The Blues have been chasing a new goalkeeper all summer, after Kepa Arrizabalaga’s disastrous campaign last time out.
Mendy joined Rennes from Reims last yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty
A series of blunders cost the Spaniard his spot as Frank Lampard’s No1 goalkeeper in the final weeks of the season.
Veteran Willy Caballero, 38, filled in between the sticks.
But Chelsea have found another option in 6ft 6in stopper Mendy.
And Rennes chief Nicolas Holveck hasn’t pulled any punches on the matter.
He told a press conference on Wednesday: “We’ve started official negotiations with Chelsea to sell Edouard Mendy.
“We know the player wants to leave.
“But the agreement at the moment is not 100 per cent completed between the three parts.”
The 28-year-old could cost Chelsea as much as £23million – and see Kepa fully demoted.
Chelsea want to replace blunder-prone Kepa Credit: AFP or llicensors AFP or Licensors
He may not give up that easily, however, with SunSport having revealed that he wants to stay and fight for his place.
But despite Chelsea’s summer of spending that has already seen them land Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Thiago Silva, Malang Sarr and Ben Chilwell – the Blues still want to press ahead with replacing the Spaniard.
Mendy, who only joined Rennes a year ago, started as Rennes drew 1-1 with Lille OSC on the opening day of the Ligue 1 season last month.
But the Senegal international was left out altogether for his side’s most recent match against Montpellier.
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Mendy featured in Rennes’ opening day draw with LilleCredit: Alamy Live News
Thiago Silva and wife Isabelle toast to Chelsea transfer in swanky hotel after landing in London from Sardinia holiday
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
