Kepa Arrizabalaga’s response to Chelsea transfer move for Edouard Mendy
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Kepa Arrizabalaga is ready to fight for his place at Chelsea as Frank Lampard’s side close in on the signing of Rennes keeper Edouard Mendy.
The Premier League are expected to complete the signing of Mendy for an initial £18million in the coming days – although Rennes have insisted there is some way to go before an agreement is reached.
Lampard wants Mendy to battle Kepa for the No.1 spot at Stamford Bridge, after dropping the Spaniard during two spells last season and instead putting his trust in Willy Cabellero.
The move for Senegal stopper Mendy heightens doubts over Kepa’s long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
However, there appears to have been little interest so far in Kepa, who Chelsea made the world’s most expensive keeper when they signed him for £71m in 2018.
(Image: Getty Images)
As speculation swirled over Kepa’s future earlier this summer, Chelsea were linked with big-name keepers Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid and Marc-Andre ter Stegen of Barcelona.
The fact that Lampard’s side didn’t manage to sign such a high-profile glovesman suggests that Kepa may still be able to save his Stamford Bridge career.
And the 25-year-old is understood to be relishing the competition provided by Mendy as he looks forward to the new season.
According to the London is Blue podcast cited by Metro, Kepa wants to stay at Chelsea and battle the expected new arrival for the No1 spot.
It is believed that Kepa’s camp feel he will benefit from the increased competition, and that he intends to build on a good relationship with Lampard as he looks to improve his Chelsea prospects.
Meanwhile, Rennes president Nicolas Holveck has stressed that no deal has yet been done for Mendy.
Holveck said on Wednesday: “Discussions have started with Chelsea for Edouard Mendy.
“I can understand his desire – he told us he wants to leave.
“But for now there is no agreement and for a transfer you need an agreement of the three parties.”
Should Frank Lampard keep faith with Kepa Arrizabalaga? Have your say in the comments below
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Mendy is believed to be keen to join Chelsea’s Premier League and Champions League push, but Holveck said: “He is not in the worst club in Europe either.
“He can also play in the Champions League if he stays here.”
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