In a recent tweet, RMC Sport journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi provided an update on Chelsea‘s transfer chase for Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy this summer. It is believed that the French club are unwilling to sanction the departure of their prized asset without putting up a proper fight. The French reporter also stated that the Blues have held talks with Rennes over a potential move for the Senegalese goalie, but are yet to launch any formal bids for him in this off-season.
#Chelsea cherche un nouveau gardien. Le club anglais a contacté le Stade Rennais pour connaitre les exigences de Rennes pour #Mendy. Chelsea n'a pas fait d'offre pour l'instant. Rennes a ajouté que le club n’était pas vendeur et qu'il voulait conserver Mendy. #SRFC
— Mohamed Bouhafsi (@mohamedbouhafsi) August 31, 2020
Mendy’s Eye-Catching Record In The Ligue 1
The 28-year-old had a solid season in the French top-flight as he put in a string of match-saving performances in goal for Julien Stéphan’s team. He was involved in 33 matches for the French side in the previous campaign, conceding 31 goals while securing 13 clean sheets in multiple competitions.
Mendy was awarded the man of the match award twice last season. However, the Senegalese custodian was guilty of being sloppy with his ball-distribution after he could only complete 70.1% of his attempted passes in the Ligue 1 (stats via whoscored).
The France-born talent has proven himself to be a safe pair of hands at the Roazhon Park. Now the next step for him would be to seek a move to a top club in Europe so that he can play with better quality around him which will give him the confidence to perform at a high-level week in week out.
What Will The Ligue 1 Keeper Add To Frank Lampard’s Team?
Mendy is a well-rounded keeper and does not have too many weaknesses in his game as such. The two-time Senegal international boasts quick reflexes that allow him to make some important saves at the back. He can read the game well and position himself accordingly to clear the danger inside his penalty area. The Rennes star is even a decent handler of the ball, but can sometimes give away the ball cheaply when distributing it out from the back.
A keeper of Mendy’s experience and track record will be a long-awaited acquisition for Chelsea boss Frank Lampard as his current options, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Willy Caballero had struggled to be consistent with their performances in the 2019-20 Premier League campaign.
If Lampard is willing to put his faith on the Senegalese international, then it makes sense for the Blues head coach to make him a regular starter at Stamford Bridge next season. However, recruiting the 28-year-old will be a gamble for the West London outfit as Mendy has still not proven his worth outside French football.
Either way, the fact remains that Lampard is in desperate need of a quality goalkeeper this summer. Mendy has what it takes to be a top keeper in the Premier League and has still got multiple years left in his locker to play at top gear. Thus, he could serve as a decent option for Chelsea to bring in before the transfer window slams shut in October.
