Rennes have rejected Chelsea’s opening €16m (£14m) for goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, according to reports in the French media.

The Blues’ recruitment has gone into overdrive this week with Frank Lampard’s side expected to sign up to four players, including Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva, Malang Sarr and Kai Havertz.

However, it appears they are also after a fifth player with Mendy being targeted as a replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal. The club’s head of goalkeeping, Christophe Lollichon, has apparently recommended the 28-year-old as a cut-price option but it seems they will need to fork out a bit more if they are to land the Senegalese international.

With £50m being spent on Chilwell and £72m expected to be paid upfront for Havertz, it remains to be seen how far Chelsea’s transfer budget can be stretched. Lampard is clearly very keen on signing a new keeper, though, so you would expect the club to find the funds for Mendy.