Chelsea have been given a boost in their pursuit of Edouard Mendy after Rennes lined up a replacement for the goalkeeper, according to reports.
Mendy has emerged as one of Chelsea’s main targets as they look to strengthen in goal. Kepa Arrizabalaga has not lived up to his price tag, meaning they could be looking for a replacement.
The Blues have been linked with a move for a big name such as Gianluigi Donnarumma or someone with proven Premier League experience like Nick Pope. However, Rennes shot-stopper Mendy is another option.
Reports over the weekend suggested that Chelsea have tabled a second offer for Mendy. The bid was worth around €20m.
Rennes are holding out for more than that, but having lined up a replacement for Mendy, may have shown they are ready to concede defeat in their efforts to keep him.
According to L’Equipe, Rennes want to sign Alphonse Areola from Paris Saint-Germain. The Frenchman spent the past season on loan at Real Madrid, but did not make much of an impression.
Keylor Navas has tied down the number one spot as his own after moving the other way to Paris, so Areola may have to move on.
And the French outlet claims he is now a target for Rennes, who would be willing to accept a bid of €25m for Mendy.
Rennes only signed Mendy last summer, but the 28-year-old could make a swift move on. The Senegal international kept nine clean sheets from 24 Ligue 1 appearances last season – more than Kepa, and in fewer appearances.
Chelsea won’t challenge without new keeper, claims Carragher
If Chelsea complete a deal for Mendy, it would continue their summer of high spending. They have already added big names like Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva.
But no area is more important for them to strengthen than in goal, according to Jamie Carragher.
The Sky Sports pundit said recently that he could not see them challenging for the title without making such a change.
The post Rennes braced for €25m bid after lining up replacement for Chelsea target appeared first on teamtalk.com.
