Chelsea are at a ‘crucial stage’ in their talks with Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, as per reporter Kevin Palmer.
The Mirror claim Petr Cech is keen for the Blues to land the stopper to battle struggling Kepa.
Spaniard Kepa earns £150,000 every week at Stamford Bridge (Spotrac) and cost over £71 million (Sky Sports).
But 28-year-old Mendy is reportedly wanted to replace him as Chelsea continue their overhaul this summer.
Frank Lampard now has outstanding attacking options but the identity of the man between the sticks remains an issue.
Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell should help tighten up the Blues’ backline next term, but Lampard doesn’t look to be finished there.
Blues technical and performance director Cech knows exactly what it takes to be a successful stopper at Stamford Bridge.
There are legitimate question marks over Kepa, and at the very least, Chelsea need someone who can compete with him and keep him on his toes.
Attacking reinforcements will only get Chelsea so far.
It was only when Virgil van Dijk and Alisson arrived at Liverpool that they became genuine title and Champions League contenders.
Could Mendy have a similarly transformative impact?
It’s tough to say how he would adjust, if Chelsea could even get the deal done for the man reportedly valued at around £18 million.