Graham Potter has made Kepa Arrizabalaga his first-choice goalkeeper since arriving at Stamford Bridge to leave Edouard Mendy’s future at Chelsea in massive doubt.
Heavy investements made last summer and in January forces Chelsea to cut the number of players in the squad. Mendy, who was No.1 under Lampard and Tuchel has falled behind Kepa Arrizabalaga since Potter’s arrival. He is hence among the players whom the Stamford Bridge hierarchy will listen to offers.
The 30-year-old Senegalese is in his final 18 months of the contract that he signed in 2020. Upon his arrival, he quickly established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in the top flight. In his first season alone, he kept 16 clean sheets.
Additionally, he equalled the Champions League record of 9 clean sheets in a season. This helped the Blues win the competition under Thomas Tuchel. However, injury cost him his spot when Potter arrived in September. Even though he has deputised when Kepa was unavailable, the Spaniard has retained his manager’s trust since.
Chelsea are said to have already offered Mendy to London rivals Tottenham as they look to sell him on in the January transfer window.
The Senegalese goalkeeper cost Chelsea £22million upon his arrival in 2019. Mendy is now being linked with a shock move to Juventus.
According to CIES Football Observatory, Mendy is currently worth €40million (£34million) due to his contract not expiring until 2025. Chelsea may be willing to accept a fee closer to what they paid for the 30-year-old three years ago, however, as they look to move him on and free up some transfer and wage budget.
The 28-year-old Kepa was again posted between the sticks for the clash against Everton. Marcus Bettinelli was the back-up goalkeeper on the bench. Chelsea led twice in the fixture through Joao Felix and Kai Havertz. Regardless, they were pegged back twice as they had to settle for a point.
Ellis Simms struck in the 89th minute for the visitors. Speaking after the match, he said, “it’s about patience. I just had to wait for my chance. We’ve got top players. So I’m not going to walk straight into the team. I have to work hard and take my chance when I get it”.
“It’s massive belief. We’re working hard in training, staying united and sticking together when it gets tough. We went behind today. But fought back to get the equaliser”.