Sources: Chelsea fear Tottenham could now beat them to priority summer signing
Chelsea are set to battle rivals including Tottenham and Man United as they search for a new first-choice goalkeeper this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Stamford Bridge club have identified a number of targets as Edouard Mendy prepares to quit during the off-season – but will face stiff competition from their Premier League rivals.
Sources told this site on Monday (20 March) that Mendy and Chelsea have decided that an exit is the best course of action with the 31-year-old desperate to play first-team football again.
He had held contract talks with Blues chiefs as his current deal is set to expire in June 2025.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has surpassed the Senegal international in the Blues’ pecking order following Graham Potter’s appointment as manager in September 2022.
However, it is believed that the big-spending London club are ready to bring in a shot-stopper ahead of him.
Tottenham are in a similar position, with long-serving captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris set to be replaced between the sticks after 11 years at the club.
It is believed that Man United will also move for a new goalkeeper with the future of David de Gea – who is yet to agree a new deal running past this summer – still in doubt.
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (18 March) that Chelsea are interested in signing Leeds United’s Illan Meslier.
Both Tottenham and Man United have previously been linked with Meslier, who could be available for around £30million.
Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel, Brentford’s David Raya and Atletico Madrid star Jan Oblak are also wanted by Chelsea and other Premier League sides ahead of the summer window.
Mendy managed just five appearances under Potter since his appointment – before being sidelined by a serious shoulder injury.
Arrizabalaga has notched 11 clean sheets for Chelsea across 27 appearances in all competitions this season.
In other news, Football Insider updates as Chelsea and Man City battle to sign Romeo Lavia.