Reports suggest Edouard Mendy has rejected Chelsea’s first offer to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.
According to the Evening Standard, the offer would’ve seen him earning less than counterpart Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is very much seen as an understudy at the club right now.
The Senegal international quickly established himself as the number one at the club after signing for Frank Lampard in 2020, becoming a key part of a defence who went on to help Chelsea win the Champions League at the end of that campaign.
He has remained a crucial member of the side to Thomas Tuchel, however his early-season form has brought up a few questions over his place as Chelsea’s guaranteed starter.
There have been fingers pointed at him for goals against Leeds United and West Ham, while a controversial VAR call spared his blushes in the final minutes against the Hammers too.
Mendy rejects first contract
This has seen calls for Kepa to return to the starting 11, and tonight’s Champions League fixture against Dinamo Zagreb could be the perfect opportunity to hand the Spaniard an opportunity.
According to the Evening Standard, Mendy’s offer was below the £190k-per-week that Kepa earns, with the report going on to say that the 30-year-old is among the club’s lowest earners.
The club are in the process of tying down some of their most important players to long-term deals at the club.
The new owners have made Reece James the club’s highest earning defender in club history as part of a new six-year deal.
They have also opened broad talks over a new deal for Mason Mount, with there not expected to be any issues with negotiations for the 23-year-old.
Keeping hold of Mendy will no doubt be one of the owners’ priorities, as they look to continue to please the manager and fan base.