Chelsea have reportedly had their bid for Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy rejected as they reportedly look to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer.
As previously reported by the Daily Mail, the Blues have been in contact with the Ligue 1 side over a potential summer move to Stamford Bridge for the 28-year-old.
Chelsea goalkeeping chief Christophe Lollichon who previously spent almost two decades as a goalkeeping coach in France is reportedly a big fan of Mendy.
Lollichon, along with technical and performance advisor Petr Cech, was reportedly given the task of finding a list of potential new goalkeepers, and he has reportedly recommended the Senegal international to Frank Lampard.
However, according to a recent report from the Sun, Rennes have turned down Chelsea’s £15million offer.
The report added that the West London outfit could yet return with an improved offer.
With Chelsea reportedly close to spending £220m for Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and two other potential big signings in Ben Chilwell and Kai Havertz (Goal), it would make sense if they are looking for a cheaper goalkeeper target, rather than another Kepa Arrizabalaga-type blockbuster signing.
Despite the “cheaper alternative” label, Mendy helped Rennes qualify for the Champions League for the first time after finishing third in Ligue 1.
He made nine clean-sheets in the league in 2019/20, conceding just 19 goals in 24 games.
For comparison, Kepa made eight clean-sheets in the Premier League this season, conceding 47 goals in 33 games.
The Normandy-born shot-stopper is under contract with Rennes until 2023.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
