Exclusive: Chelsea open talks to sign £50m-valued star in final year of contract

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Published on:

28 Aug 2020, 7:30 am

Chelsea have turned their attention to negotiating the signing of AC Milan sensation Gianluigi Donnarumma amid difficulties in prising Edouard Mendy from Rennes, Football Insider understands.

The Premier League big spenders have made it a priority to recruit a new number one this summer and are exploring various options across Europe.

A Chelsea source has told Football Insider the club are now in talks over a potential deal for Italy first choice Donnarumma.

The west Londoners are speaking to the seven-times Champions League winners about structuring a deal for the 21-year-old in various ways.

The source explained that Chelsea recognise it is a long shot to sign Donnarumma, who is valued at nearly £50m by Milan.

However, the keeper has entered the final year of his contract at San Siro and his club are vulnerable to losing him.

Football Insider revealed last month that Frank Lampard has lost faith in Kepa Arrizabalaga and is looking to replace him this summer.

Chelsea accept a permanent deal for Arrizabalaga is difficult following a poor season and could look to let him go initially on loan.

Talks have taken place with Rennes over a deal for Mendy but Rennes want up to £45m for their number one and Chelsea are only willing to pay £22m.

Donnarumma is widely regarded as the outstanding young keeper in world football.

He has already amassed over 200 appearances for Milan in all competitions, as well as representing the Italy national side on 16 occasions.

Milan paid a fee in the region of only £220,000 for him at the age of 14 and he made his first-team debut just two years later.

Arrizabalaga was signed for £71million in August 2018 and is still the most expensive goalkeeper of all time.

In other Chelsea news, Frank Lampard has told N'Golo Kante to find a new club.

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