Chelsea: Lampard addresses Edouard Mendy transfer rumours
Chelsea are reportedly yet to reach an agreement with Rennes for Edouard Mendy and the player has not travelled to England for a medical. Last week it was claimed that the two clubs had shook hands on a deal which would see the Frenchman move to Stamford Bridge this week but that has now been denied by RMC Sport's Mohamed Bouhafsi.
The Blues are still looking to a close a deal for the goalkeeper though despite Frank Lampard's surprise backing of Kepa Arrizabalaga after the 3-1 win at Brighton.
Chelsea are believed to have upped their offer to £18.5million after seeing an opening bid of £15m rejected.
Mendy was left out of the Rennes squad for the 4-2 win over Nimes at the weekend as a move edges closer.
He has been pushing for the move and has been clear with the club he wants to join Chelsea ever since he was made aware of their interest.
Chelsea are looking to sign Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, but there are claims it's not done yet (Image: GETTY)
The 28-year-old met with club officials on Friday in which Chelsea's latest bid was discussed amongst the board with the player.
However, RMC's Bouhafsi has claimed there is still no agreement between the two clubs but Mendy has agreed a contract with Chelsea ahead of a potential switch.
He tweeted: "Still no deal reached between #Rennes & #Chelsea for Edouard #Mendy. The player is ready & waiting to fly to London when he gets the green light to do so, has agreed a 5-year contract with CFC."
Other reports have claimed Chelsea have had a bid accepted and that the player travelled to England on Friday to complete a move.
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Chelsea boss Lampard remained coy when quizzed on the subject at the Amex, after opening their Premier League account with three points.
“I’m very happy with Kepa," Lampard said, in defence of his No 1 after he was criticised for his role in Leandro Trossard's equaliser.
“I thought Kepa today, I think with the shot I’m not sure if he could’ve done any better but I saw a lot of confidence with how he was playing.
“I’m happy with him. Kepa’s here, he’s our keeper and I’m happy with him.
“If we are bringing in competition, it will be competition, that’s the nature of Chelsea. That goes throughout the squad so we’ll see.”
RMC Sport claim Chelsea have NOT reached an agreement with Rennes over Edouard Mendy (Image: GETTY)
Lampard's comments appeared to hint that Mendy was not a signing that he requested with the hierarchy.
Petr Cech has been tasked with helping the club find a new goalkeeper alongside director Marina Granovskaia.
He of course played for Rennes before joining Chelsea in 2004 and Lampard trusts his judgement.
The Blues had looked at other options including Jan Oblak, Andre Onana and Mike Maignan but they now seem set on Mendy.
There is still work to do though in negotiations with Rennes before he is officially a Chelsea player.