Chelsea have asked Rennes about the availability of signing goalkeeper Edouard Mendy as competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to a report.
Kepa is under pressure to prove his worth as the Blues’ no.1 between the sticks after an inconsistent season.
The Spaniard, along with Chelsea’s defence conceded 54 Premier League goals last term, the worst record in the top 10. Indeed, even before the campaign finished, reports linked boss Frank Lampard with bringing in a new stopper.
Recent speculation has linked several players – including Atletico Madrid’s £100million-plus-rated Jan Oblak – with a move to Stamford Bridge.
According to the Daily Mail, however, Chelsea are looking at cheaper alternatives.
The Blues’ current main focus is deals for Kai Havertz and Ben Chilwell. The pair will likely see Chelsea spend over £100million to add to expenditure for Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner.
As such, Lampard is keen to drive down the price of a new goalkeeper. He is reportedly considering a move for Mendy based off a recommendation from Chelsea’s goalkeeping coach, Christophe Lollichon.
Lollichon has long admired Mendy, the coach having also worked at Rennes.
Mendy, 28, moved to Rennes from Stade Reims last summer and had an impressive debut season. He kept nine clean sheets in 24 Ligue 1 games to help Rennes finish third.
Indeed, he only missed four top-flight games with French authorities curtailing the season in April.
The Senegal international has seven caps for his country, the first of which he earned in 2018.
RENNES PROPOSE LOAN DEAL FOR CHELSEA MAN
The Daily Mail also claims that as part of their business with Chelsea, Rennes could sign Fikayo Tomori on loan.
The 22-year-old began the season strongly but only made one Premier League appearance between January and the end of the season.
As such, Lampard could look to let the defender go out on loan to France to gain further first-team minutes.
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