Chelsea monitoring AS Monaco left back Benjamin Mendy amid Manchester City advances — report

In a transfer rumour mill dominated by the money flung around by the top clubs to acquire top strikers, Manchester City have spent a good portion of their resources on fullbacks. And understandably so, given the position's importance in modern football. After acquiring Kyle Walker from Tottenham on a £50 million transfer and taking the lead over Chelsea in a potential deal for Real Madrid's Danilo, City still want to add yet another wide defender to their squad for next season.

According to the Telegraph, City remain in the pursuit of AS Monaco left back Benjamin Mendy. However, they have found a stumbling block in the French club's demands, as they want a fee similar to what Tottenham earned from Walker's switch from London to Manchester.

Another hindrance in City's journey towards the signature of Mendy could be Chelsea. In their report, the Telegraph claims the Blues have been monitoring the developments of City's chase for the Frenchman. This is due to the (presumably) failed attempt to acquire Alex Sandro from Juventus, as the Brazilian international draws closer to putting pen to paper on an extension with the Old Lady and thus end any transfer rumours linking his name to an exit from the Italian club.

Mendy is 3 years younger than Sandro, and has already shown plenty of offensive talent during his years at Ligue 1 playing for Olympique Marseille and AS Monaco. His defensive diligence can be questioned, but this can certainly be developed as was the case with his Brazilian counterpart when he arrived at Juventus from Porto. Now we shall see if Chelsea plan on entering this chase for Mendy with a proper bid, and maybe return City's favour in the Danilo pursuit.