Frank Lampard’s side have had a £15 million bid turned down by Ligue 1 outfit Rennes for the Blues’ goalkeeping target Edouard Mendy. The Senegalese international had been shortlisted by Lampard to compete for the No.1 spot at the club next season alongside the seemingly out-of-favor Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Mendy was a standout performer for Rennes across the French club’s 2019-20 league campaign. The 28-year old’s displays in goal for his side helped them clinch a third-place finish in the final Ligue 1 standings, ensuring Champions League football for the upcoming season.
It is the first time in the French side’s history that they have qualified for Europe’s elite club tournament. As a result, Rennes are understood to value the 28-year old shot-stopper much more than what the Blues have offered in their initial bid for the player.
With three years still to go on Mendy’s current deal, Rennes are holding out for a big-money offer to be tabled by Lampard this summer. The Chelsea FC boss is desperate to add a goalkeeper to his squad with Kepa’s form being on a downward spiral since the turn of the year.
It is not known at his point of time whether Chelsea FC would be interested in making an improved offer for the Senegalese international. The Stamford Bridge outfit may resort to approaching other targets in mind, such as Burnley’s Nick Pope or Ajax shot-stopper Andre Onana.
