Todd Boehly has a ‘clear idea’ to replace Chelsea star Edouard Mendy, but will have to come up with a different ‘formula’ to land his top target.
Mendy has lost his place in the Chelsea starting XI to Kepa Arrizabalaga this season and has rejected a new contract which he deemed ‘disrespectful’.
The Sengal international, who was named The Best goalkeeper in 2021 following his fine performances in the Champions League for Chelsea, was reportedly offered a six-year deal worth £100,000 per week but wanted pay parity with Kepa, who’s on around £200,000.
But the club has so far refused to offer improved terms and Mendy is now set to leave the club at the end of the season.
It was thought Gabriel Slonina, who was signed in the summer, would battle Kepa for a starting spot, but reports gathered by Sport Witness suggest Boehly wants to add further competition.
TuttoMercatoWeb claim Boehly has a ‘clear idea’ to replace Mendy with Inter Milan’s Andre Onana, while InterLive.it state that Chelsea would consider offering Mendy plus money for the Cameroon international.
But it’s explained that Inter are not interested in this ‘formula’ and would need a cash only offer to part with their goalkeeper.
It’s claimed Boehly has gathered detailed information on Onana – who has kept 14 clean sheets and conceded 22 goals in 27 games this term – in the ‘last few hours’
TMW add that Chelsea’s interest in Onana is ‘certainly not accidental’ and they’ve joined a number of other clubs in keeping tabs on the 26-year-old.
Manchester United could join Chelsea in the race for Onana as Erik ten Hag looks to replace David De Gea, but former United striker Louis Saha reckons the Red Devils should be going after Mendy.
“De Gea is still right at the top level, but of course making mistakes as he did against Everton is never good,” Saha said.
“Over the years, De Gea has done tremendous performances to save the team and he deserves the time and credit for that.
“If De Gea doesn’t sign a new contract then a move for Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy would make perfect sense.
“He has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world the last few years and I’m not sure what happened.”
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