Agbonlahor issues verdict on Edouard Mendy exit after new Chelsea talks
Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Chelsea should keep Edouard Mendy as he is still able to take Kepa Arrizabalaga’s place as Graham Potter’s number-one goalkeeper.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 31-year-old is a better shot-stopper than Arrizabalaga.
According to The Times (14 March), Chelsea have held talks with Mendy over a new contract but have made little progress in discussions.
The report claims the Stamford Bridge club are prioritising extensions for stars like Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and N‘Golo Kanté above the Senegal international.
Mendy managed just five appearances under Graham Potter since his appointment in September before injury sidelined him.
The Champions League winner, who is under contract until June 2025, has only recently resumed full training.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think he can win that place back.
“He’s a much better shot-stopper than Kepa, but he clearly has a problem when he’s playing out from the back.
“It’s not the greatest area of his game. But he’s had many good games for Chelsea, he was in that Champions League-winning side.
“I think keeping him around would be good for competition. If Kepa has a few bad games, then he will know that Mendy is right behind him waiting for that chance.
“If you have a younger goalkeeper or maybe a slightly older player who is happy to be second choice – there isn’t that same pressure.”
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