Chelsea have returned with a second offer for Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, according to sources.
The Blues are currently looking to replace out of favour Kepa Arrizabalaga, who had a poor season under Frank Lampard last campaign.
The Spaniard has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge as the club looks set to replace him.
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According to Goal, the London club has made an £18 million bid for Mendy.
They’ve improved upon the £15 million bid they made earlier this week, which was rejected.
Rennes are yet to respond to the second bid. However, they’re desperate to keep Mendy as he’s their first choice keeper.
The Senegalese international helped Rennes to their first ever Champions League finish last campaign, when they finished third under manager Julien Stephan.
Mendy made 9 clean sheets in 24 appearances for the club and started in their first Ligue 1 game of the new season.
Mendy could be a solid replacement for Arrizabalaga if Chelsea manage to sign him.
He would also be a lot cheaper than the club’s other goalkeeping options. They’ve been linked with Atletico Madrid keeper Jan Oblak, who would cost around £90 million.
More recently, they’ve been linked with Italian youngster Gianluigi Donnarumma. The 21-year-old is one of the best young prospects in the world and could join the Blues on loan this season.
He would then need to impress Lampard to earn a permanent move to Stamford Bridge.
As part of the deal, Arrizabalaga would move on loan to AC Milan for the season to see if he can find his previous form.
At the moment it looks like Chelsea are looking at cheaper alternatives to Donnarumma following their spending spree over the past few months.
Having signed Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell, they’ve spent well over £130 million. They’re also in talks to sign Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen and Declan Rice from West Ham.
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