Chelsea FC has finally struck a nerve that convinced Stade Rennais FC to part with Edouard Mendy. The 28-year-old is already undergoing medical and an official announcement is expected to come any time now.
The development puts to rest reports that Rennes was adamant about keeping the Senegal goalkeeper. Frank Lampard was looking for the best available shot-stopper in the market with names like Dean Henderson and Jan Oblak being mentioned. The Blues ended up going after Mendy after both clubs agreed to a $28 million deal, Sky Sports reported.
The deal comes not long after Kepa Arrizabalaga found himself in a heap of trouble. The world’s most expensive goalkeeper has been having a rough go as of late, committing crucial mistakes in the Blues last two assignments. He got a bit of a reprieve in his first match since the Blues won. But it was an entirely different story in the second game of Chelsea, losing to Liverpool 2-0.
To recall, it was in this game where Kepa got even more heat. He miscued a pass that fell to Sadio Mane. That led to The Reds' second and marginal goal. Lampard came to the defense of the Spanish goalkeeper but critics were not forgiving.
In their Carabao Cup match, it will be Willy Caballero starting for the Blues. Most felt it was a move made following the two poor matches that Kepa played in. But Lampard made it clear that this was planned long before.
Further adding some intrigue in the whole thing is the imminent entry of Mendy. Some are now wondering if Kepa will fall in the pecking order. Owning a hefty contract, some foresee the Blues pulling a deal to move the 25-year-old player.
As for Mendy, the choice to get him was reportedly influenced by Petr Cech. Cech played for the Blues in 2004 and owns a long list of achievements. That includes 13 major titles in his 11-year spell.
"Petr was important in that because goalkeeper is a very particular position. Petr Cech was the best in the world in that position for a long time so he's obviously had a big say in this situation,” Lampard said. "From my point of view, I lean heavily on him when it comes to goalkeeping today and in the future. So yes, he was very influential."
The coming of Mendy sends off mixed signals. Kepa just got in a deeper hole though there are options. That includes a complete sale or being sent out on loan.
