In the world of football, the winds of change are always blowing. One such gust is currently stirring at Chelsea, where Edouard Mendy, the club’s first-team goalkeeper, is likely to leave this summer. This news has sent ripples through the football community, as Mendy has played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s recent successes.
Mendy, 31, joined Chelsea in 2020 and quickly made his mark. His stellar performance in his debut season was instrumental in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph. However, the second half of the campaign saw him benched in favour of Kepa Arrizabalaga. Both goalkeepers are entering the final two years of their contracts, and Chelsea is reportedly open to offers for both.
Despite Kepa’s recent string of starts, Chelsea would prefer to cash in on him. Kepa became the world’s most expensive goalkeeper when he moved to Stamford Bridge for £71.6m in 2018. However, his high wages have long complicated plans to get the Spaniard off the books. This salary issue is expected to limit Kepa’s options this summer and could push Mendy closer to the exit door. Mendy’s pay packet is understood to be significantly lower, making him the easier goalkeeper to sell.
Mendy’s potential departure is linked to Chelsea’s desire to sign a new starting goalkeeper. The Blues have voiced their interest in several potential options from across Europe. Among these are Inter’s Andre Onana, Brighton’s Robert Sanchez, and Brentford’s David Raya, all of whom boast several years of Premier League experience. Porto’s 23-year-old stopper Diogo Costa is also admired.
Chelsea also has 19-year-old Gabriel Slonina on the books. The American international, signed from Chicago Fire last year, has impressed with the Under-21 side this season and is in line for a loan move for his first taste of senior football in Europe.
