Rennes head coach Julien Stephan has confirmed that Edouard Mendy will join Chelsea.
Frank Lampard’s side have yet to officially announce their move for the 28-year-old goalkeeper, but reports this week claim a £22 million deal has been agreed between the two clubs.
Rennes also asked for either Fikayo Tomori or Olivier Giroud to be included as part of the deal but Chelsea refused the request from the French side.
Mendy is now on course to complete his move to Stamford Bridge, with Rennes now actively seeking a replacement.
‘We’re looking for a goalkeeper, it’s no secret,’ Stephan told Telefoot.
‘Edouard will certainly leave us to join Chelsea.
‘In this position, we need to get someone in very quickly, I cannot give you names as there is nothing definitive.’
Mendy’s arrival will now increase the pressure on Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has struggled since making his £71.6m move to Chelsea in August 2018.
It’s understood that Petr Cech, who himself played for Rennes before moving to Stamford Bridge in 2004, has recommended the signing of Mendy to the rest of Chelsea’s hierarchy.
But despite the mistake, Lampard insisted that he is ‘very happy’ with Kepa.
‘With the shot I’m not sure if he could’ve done any better,’ said Lampard.
‘But I saw a bit more confidence in how he was playing. Kepa is 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 and it goes throughout the squad.’
