Rennes identify replacement for Chelsea-bound Édouard Mendy — report

Chelsea’s search for a new goalkeeper might be over soon, with the Blues looking set to sign Édouard Mendy from Stade Rennais. While that’s (probably) great news for us, it will leave the Ligue 1 needing a new goalkeeper three weeks into the 2020-21 season, which isn’t ideal.

Fortunately, according to French newspaper Ouest-France (via Inside Futbol), they have identified a name to fill the gap left by Mendy’s departure, Granada’s Rui Silva. The former Portugal U21 international was named the best goalkeeper in the Spanish second division two years ago, and also played a big role in Granada finishing in the European spots in La Liga last season as well.

Granada would obviously not want to sell a player that important, but the 26-year-old shot-stopper reportedly has only a €15m release clause. He’s also in the final year of his contract, which means that Rennes might even be able to get him for less than that.

In any case, the important part here is that this is further confirmation that Mendy’s coming to Chelsea, which should be happening fairly soon, with personal terms already agreed and the teams closing in on a transfer fee agreement.