The Guardian‘s Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Chelsea are now “close” to signing Rennes goalkeeper Eduoard Mendy, with personal terms having been agreed with the 28-year-old.
The reliable Italian journalist claims the Blues are now “confident” that a deal can be finalised today, with the Senegalese international becoming the London club’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window:
Chelsea are now close to sign Edouard Mendy from Rennes. New bid submitted on last hours and club ‘confident’ to complete deal on next hours. Personal terms already agreed. He’s pushing to leave and join #CFC… and he’s getting closer. ? #Chelsea #transfers
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 11, 2020
Romano doesn’t expect Chelsea’s spending to stop there, and he predicts that the club will weigh up a bid for West Ham’s Declan Rice once they have sewn up the transfer of Mendy:
Final decision is now up to Rennes president. Mendy wants to join Chelsea and the club are trying to make it happen – that’s why Lampard decided to keep silence about this deal to respect Rennes. After signing a new goalkeeper, Chelsea will consider a move for Rice. ? #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 11, 2020
Most expect that the Blues would have to fund a bid for Rice from player sales, with reports suggesting that manager Frank Lampard would prefer to sell Jorginho over N’Golo Kante.
There were claims in the English press this morning suggesting that the Blues have turned down bids for the Frenchman from Inter Milan, which included former Tottenham star Christian Eriksen, as well as Croatian international Marcelo Brozovic.
