Ligue 1 side confirm negotiations for Chelsea target but there is a catch

Rennes' Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy concedes a goal during penalty shoot-out at the end of the French Cup football match between Rennes (SRFC) and Amiens (ASC) on January 4, 2020, at the Roazhon Park in Rennes, western France. (Photo by Sebastien SALOM-GOMIS / AFP) / The erroneous mention appearing in the metadata of this photo by Sebastien SALOM-GOMIS has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [SLUG: FBL-FRA-CUP-RENNES-AMIENS -- CAPTION: Rennes' Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy concedes a goal during penalty shoot-out at the end of the French Cup football match between Rennes (SRFC) and Amiens (ASC) on January 4, 2020, at the Roazhon Park in Rennes, western France.] instead of [SLUG: RUGBYU-FRA-TOP14-MONTPELLIER-BRIVE -- CAPTION: Rennes' Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy concedes a goal during penalty shoot-out at the end of the French Top 14 rugby union match between Montpellier and Brive on January 4, 2020, at the GGL Stadium in Montpellier, southern France.]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention from all your online services and delete it from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require. (Photo by SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Chelsea will need to improve their bid for Edouard Mendy

According to Football.london, Rennes executive director Nicolas Holveck has confirmed that the club is involved in negotiations with Chelsea for Edouard Mendy.

The Blues are keen to bring in the goalkeeper and have seen an initial bid worth £18million rejected.

“Discussions have started with Chelsea for Edouard Mendy.”

Rennes have placed an asking price of around £30million but could settle for about £25million. Chelsea will now have to increase their original bid if they are to land the Senegalese international.

Rennes confirm Chelsea are in negotiations for Wdouard Mendy

While Holveck understands Mendy’s interest in moving, he has revealed that an agreement is yet to be reached.

“I can understand his desire, he told us. But for the moment, there is no agreement for a transfer.”

A goalkeeper is a key acquisition for Chelsea, who have had troubles with their current number one Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The Spaniard has been less than convincing in goal. He was even benched in favour of Willy Caballero towards the end of last season.

Frank Lampard is not convinced by Kepa Arrizabalaga

Mendy may not have been on the wishlist of many supporters going into the summer. However, the 28-year-old is a solid performer with key strengths in areas that Kepa lacks in.

According to WhoScored (h/t Football.london), 94 goalkeepers made 20 appearances or more in Europe’s top five leagues last season. Among those, Mendy ranked ninth in terms of average save success with 75.3%, while Kepa came last with 53.9%.

Chelsea will have to increase their bid for Edouard Mendy

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At 6ft 6in, Mendy is a giant of a player with a commanding presence in the box. A vocal leader in the box is something the Blues lacked all of last season.

The prospect of finally adding one could become a gamechanger. Mendy played in Rennes’ first Ligue 1 game of the season and will need to quarantine for two weeks if a deal is agreed.

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Pranav Nair