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Football

08th Sep 2020

Chelsea in advanced talks to sign Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy

Wayne Farry

Mendy helped Rennes finish third in Ligue 1 last season

Chelsea are confident of securing the services of Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy in the coming days, according to reports.

The 28-year-old Senegal international will provide competition for under-fire goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, in whom Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has lost faith after consistently disappointing performances since his world record move from Athletic Bilbao two years ago.

Kepa was dropped by Lampard towards the end of last season after a string of errors and generally unconvincing displays, and was replaced by veteran goalkeeper Willy Caballero.

Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano, citing Jacob Steinberg, tweeted that Chelsea are “confident” of securing the deal, having initially had a bid of around £15 million rejected by the French club.

Mendy helped Rennes finish third in Ligue 1 in his first season with the club, securing a Champions League place in the process. Prior to joining, he had helped his former club Stade Reims win Ligue 2 and gain promotion to the top flight in the 2017/18 season.