Transfer Talk: Mendy Ed-ing for Chelsea summer exit

Edouard Mendy's time at Chelsea appears to be coming to an end. 

Two years ago, the keeper was on top of the world at domestic level after playing a vital role in the club's Champions League triumph.

But the Senegalese international's 2022-23 campaign was riddled by injuries and mistakes, which saw him lose his starting berth to Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Ahead of what promises to be a busy summer for the Blues, we take a look at what the future might hold for their former No1.

Fall from grace

Mendy, 31, joined Chelsea from Rennes in September 2020. 

He kept 30 clean sheets during his first two seasons in the Premier League — a total bettered only by Manchester City's Ederson (39).

The African star's performances in his maiden Champions League campaign also saw him named UEFA's keeper of the tournament and FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year after the Blues beat City in the final. 

But those heady days now seem a distant memory.

This term, Mendy's 10 appearances in the English top flight yielded just a single clean sheet and saw him concede 14 goals.

He also ranked a lowly 29th for saves made per 90 (2.63), with Kepa far higher in 13th (3.19). 

So it is perhaps no wonder that Chelsea are looking to part ways with Mendy, despite former manager Graham Potter labelling his attitude as "fantastic".

Inter swap

New Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has apparently given the green light to sell the custodian — and he wants Inter Milan's Andre Onana as his replacement. 

Cameroon star Onana, 27, kept eight clean sheets in 24 Serie A appearances this term and helped the Nerazzurri qualify for Saturday's Champions League final. 

He also excels with the ball at his feet, averaging 30.08 passes completed per 90 minutes compared to Mendy's total of 19.58. 

Chelsea are said to be willing to offer their out-of-favour goalie plus cash in order to sign the ex-Ajax man.

Reports from France claim Nice are also in the race for Mendy's signature, while Tottenham have been linked with him as they search for Hugo Lloris' long-term successor. 

Yet joining a Spurs team that conceded 63 Premier League goals in 2022-23 would maybe not be the wisest move for a player lacking confidence — even with Ange Postecoglu now at the helm.

Second chance

Given Mendy's past success, there is bound to be a school of thought that he deserves another chance at Stamford Bridge.

Wrexham keeper Ben Foster suggested back in March that the 29-cap international is superior to Kepa.

He said: "I don't think Kepa is the right guy for it, full stop. 

"I think at the end of the season either Mendy will get fit and get back in the team or they will need to go into the market and sign somebody."

Mendy is highly unlikely to settle for a back-up role if a new No1 comes in at Kepa's expense this summer, so a move way seems inevitable. 

And perhaps the slightly slower nature of Italian football would help him get back on track ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.