Edouard Mendy’s future at Chelsea is uncertain ahead of the World Cup, with the 30-year-old considering a move amid concerns that his first-team opportunities will be limited. Since his arrival from Rennes in a deal worth 22 million pounds in September 2020, the shot-stopper has been a huge success at Stamford Bridge.
However, the keeper’s position as Blues’ No. 1 has been called into question following the dismissal of Thomas Tuchel and the arrival of current head coach Graham Potter. Kepa Arrizabalaga began Potter’s reign as Chelsea’s first-choice keeper while Mendy was out with a knee injury.
Due to Arrizabalaga’s foot injury, Chelsea’s previous four matches have been started by Senegal international Mendy, three of which the team has lost. However, his recent run of games hasn’t allayed fears that Mendy’s reign as Chelsea’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper is coming to an end.
The Senegal international is hopeful that he can persuade Potter that he deserves to reclaim his No. 1 spot, but there are fears that the Blues boss has already decided that Arrizabalaga will start as first-choice when the Premier League resumes next month, fitness permitting.
Indeed, Sportsmail understands that Potter is interested in acquiring Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who had a great relationship with Ben Roberts at Brighton. Roberts moved to Stamford Bridge with Potter earlier this season, and that could be important if the Blues make their interest known.
The Blues are also interested in signing Leandro Trossard and Moises Caicedo from the Seagulls, with Potter looking to rid his former side of more key players after giving rave reviews to Todd Boehly’s staff members who have since followed in his footsteps.
Mendy is expected to be Senegal’s first-choice goalkeeper in Qatar, where strong performances are likely to pique the interest of potential suitors. Chelsea appears unlikely to sanction a sale for Mendy in January. However, given that he enters the final two years of his contract at the end of the season, a decision on his future is likely to be made by the summer.
The club has held talks with Mendy about a contract extension but has yet to reach an agreement, and the uncertainty surrounding the 30-year- old’s place in Potter’s plans is unlikely to speed up the process.
