Chelsea manager Graham Potter says Edouard Mendy is ‘happy’ around the club’s training ground. But he will not intervene in contractual matters amid links to Tottenham Hotspur.
Mendy agreed a five-year deal with the Blues when signed from Stade Rennais in 2020 for £22m under Frank Lampard. But the Senegal star has since lost his guaranteed starting role as Kepa Arrizabalaga has emerged as a credible alternative at Stamford Bridge once again.
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Chelsea would like to lock Mendy down with a new contract in west London, nonetheless. But The Sun now reports the 30-year-old has rejected their offer of a six-year deal. He feels the Blues did not show him enough ‘respect’ with the wages offered in the proposed deal.
Mendy believes he should earn the same as Arrizabalaga, who The Sun notes makes nearly double the £100k-a-week Mendy gets. But the Senegal star frustrated Chelsea by rejecting their long-term extension. So much so that the Blues pulled the offer as they play hardball.
Serie A side AC Milan plus Ligue 1 rivals AS Monaco and OGC Nice are monitoring Mendy’s situation at Chelsea. He has only featured in nine of a potential 13 Premier League games this season. While Mendy played just one of their six Champions League group stage ties.
Potter is staying out of Chelsea and Mendy’s contract talks amid links to Tottenham
Reports by 90min this November also suggested Chelsea star Mendy has been offered to Tottenham. Antonio Conte is scouting for a potential long-term successor for Hugo Lloris, who turns 36 on Boxing Day. Mendy is also thought to be doubtful of signing a new deal.
But despite suggestions that Mendy’s long-term future is not at Chelsea, Potter will not intervene in the club’s handling of his contract as Tottenham potentially now watch on.
“It’s not my place to speak publicly about a player’s contract situation,” Potter said, via Sky Sports. “That’s between them and the club. Mendy has been absolutely top with the club and with me. He’s a great guy [and is] happy around the place.”
Mendy immediately ousted Arrizabalaga after joining Chelsea in 2020 and helped the club win the Champions League title that season. The 29-cap shot-stopper also helped Senegal win their first Africa Cup of Nations title earlier this year. But he may still be on the move.
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