Chelsea Continues Heavy Spending, Eyes Rennes' Goalkeeper

Chelsea F.C. continues to chase Edouard Mendy of Stade Rennais FC and has dangled an improved bid.

The Blues have been targeting key players to make up the team. Frank Lampard has taken in big names, and more are underway, possibly including Mendy.

Chelsea has pitched an improved bid for the 28-year-old shot-stopper, The Guardian reported. Their first bid that was roughly $20 million was rejected by Rennes.

The French goalkeeper is a cheaper option for the Blues, with Lampard far from content with his current goalies Kepa Arrizabalaga and Willy Caballero.

Lampard gave Arrizabalaga all the chances to improve, but the Spanish goalkeeper has failed to live up to his expectations. Considering the Blues paid a hefty sum of $93 million for the 25-year-old goalie back in 2018, his performance for Chelsea was far from impressive.

Arrizabalaga found himself benched, with Caballero taking over in the latter part of the 2019-20 season. Though Lampard shot down rumors, it appears the best to expect for Kepa is being eventually loaned out.

There are at least two teams said to be interested in a loan deal for the Spaniard, Sevilla and Valencia, according to Goal.

Chelsea was also linked to several goalkeepers. Dean Henderson was one of them, but his recent new deal with Manchester United has shut that down.

There is also Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid. Unfortunately, Los Indios is seeking roughly $145 million for him, and the high asking fee is something the Blues may not be ready to meet. Chelsea has already spent a lot on getting Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell.

Kai Havertz of Bayer Leverkusen is believed to be coming to Stamford Bridge as well. He would be the club's most expensive signing once both clubs agree. Bayer is seeking $118 million for the 21-year-old, $95 million of which has to be paid upfront and the balance ($24 million) to be paid in installments.

As for Rennes, the club is not to keen on the idea of losing Mendy this summer. If that is the case, the best Lampard can do is skim the market further for other shot-stoppers.

Among the names he could consider are Lille’s Mike Maignan and PSG’s Alphonse Areola.