Chelsea have had their first bid for Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy turned down, according to reports in the French media.
It remains to be seen whether the Blues will return with a second offer for the 28-year-old but it seems clear that the London club are stepping up their attempts to find a replacement for current number one Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Mendy is a surprise candidate, considering Chelsea have been linked with the likes of Jan Oblak, Nick Pope and Dean Henderson over the past few weeks, and supporters on Twitter have had a mixed reaction to Frank Lampard’s pursuit of the Ligue One keeper:
I’m not convinced. He punches the ball all the time. Doesn’t catch it. But definitely an improvement on kepa
— smayan k (@Abdevil39208314) August 26, 2020
He a second choice, low cost-less risk signing who can compete with Kepa
— Jack Hall (@jackhall_7) August 26, 2020
Ter stegan is not renewed.
— Pedriകൂൾ (@pedri_cule) August 26, 2020
He has a good height which kepa lacks
— ?KIFRAN? (@FKivish) August 26, 2020
Still rather we go for Pope.
— Alphonso Davies Stan (@TOCheltorsFC) August 26, 2020
btw for those complaining… Mendy is 6'6…kepa is 6'1…height is an advantage …so he's an absolute upgrade
— kingkosey ? (@Koseyluis1) August 26, 2020
Mendy is mid
— ?????? (at ?) (@Eugeneforever_) August 26, 2020
I prefer Onana 100%
— Lefty (@CFCLefty) August 26, 2020
Keepers get even better with age.
— Dave Turkson (@DaveTurkson) August 27, 2020
The Senegalese international would certainly be a presence in goal, considering he is 6ft 6 but, as some fans have mentioned, his handling ability is a concern and he is untried at the highest level.
Goalkeeping in the Premier League is a completely different prospect to playing in other leagues across Europe, and it is hoped that the Blues and their recruitment team have done their homework on Mendy.