“It’s part of football” – Ligue 1 skipper admits in-demand teammate deserves to join Chelsea

Damien da Silva admits Edouard Mendy deserves to join Chelsea

Rennes captain Damien da Silva believes that teammate Edouard Mendy deserves to join Chelsea.

He made the admission while speaking to Telefoot (h/t Metro). The Senegalese shot-stopper is closing in on a move to Chelsea as Frank Lampard looks to rejig his goalkeeping options.

While Silva admits that he and his teammates would rather keep the Senegalese international, he appears to have accepted that a move is inevitable.

“We are a little selfish, we don’t want to lose Edouard Mendy but it’s part of football and the transfer market.”

Rennes captain Damien da Silva believes that teammate Edouard Mendy deserves to join Chelsea.
Rennes captain Damien da Silva believes Edouard Mendy deserves to join Chelsea.

According to the report, Chelsea will pay Rennes an initial £18.2million in transfer fee. This could potentially rise to £25m after add-ons.

If the transfer goes through, Mendy will become Chelsea’s sixth major first-team signing of the summer. The Blues have already brought in Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva and Kai Havertz.

Frank Lampard had been forced to move for a new keeper following the unconvincing performances by Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Spaniard even found himself relegated to the bench during the business end of last season.

Chelsea are keen to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been unconvincing for Chelsea (Image Credits: Getty Images)

Performances over reputation

While Mendy might not be the biggest name out there, the 28-year-old is coming off the back of an impressive season at Rennes.

He helped the club finish third in the French top-flight before the season came to a premature end. This saw them qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Mendy has so far spent his whole career in France, making over 100 appearances in the top two divisions of French football. The 28-year-old signed for Rennes last summer and has since played 34 times for the club. (h/t Transfermarkt)

Chelsea signed Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen
Lampard has been backed well in the transfer market

More Chelsea News

Chelsea have considered a number of keepers this summer. This includes Burnley star Nick Pope, Borussia Dortmund’s Roman Burki, Lille shot-stopper Mike Maignan and Ajax Amsterdam’s Andre Onana. (h/t The Mirror)

It appears that Mendy will be the man entrusted to compete alongside Kepa next season.