Edouard Mendy has reportedly rejected a new six-year deal from Chelsea as he feels disrespected for not being offered the right wages.
According to The Sun, Edouard Mendy has rejected a new six-year-deal offered by Chelsea to stay put at Stamford Bridge. The Senegal international has cited a lack of respect and wants parity with wages currently offered to rival Kepa Arrizabalaga. He has also emerged on the radar of AC Milan.
Edouard Mendy may not have played regularly this season, especially since the arrival of Graham Potter, but he remains a key figure at Chelsea. He was instrumental in the club’s triumphant UEFA Champions League campaign and Club World Cup success.
Potter has preferred Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal since taking over as manager. But an injury to the Spaniard forced Mendy to reappear between the sticks. Unfortunately for the Senegalese ace, Chelsea endured a three-game losing streak before the World Cup break, but he remains a key senior figure at Stamford Bridge.
While reports before the World Cup put Mendy’s future in doubt due to his second-choice status, few even insisted Chelsea were ready to sell him. However, the latest on the subject claims the Blues have offered him a new long-term deal to keep him at the club.
The report suggests the new deal has a duration of six year, in line with some of the new contracts offered by Chelsea to Reece James and Armando Broja. Mendy, however, is ready to snub the new deal in favour of holding out for a bigger salary.
Mendy feels disrespected by Chelsea as he does not see his performances reflected in the wages offered. The Senegalese goalkeeper reportedly wants parity with rival Kepa, who remains on a higher salary than him.
The AFCON winner is aware of his accolades since joining the Blues but feels disrespected by the deal on offer. The Chelsea ace still has two and a half years left on his current contract, and the club could look for a sale if he cannot agree to new terms.
Italian clubs are keen, including Juventus and AC Milan. The Rossoneri have an enticing prospect for Mendy, with interest taken in all seriousness. Whether AC Milan can match his wages remains the question, although there could be doubts if they will break their salary structure for the keeper.
Chelsea already have replacements lined up, with names such as Robert Sanchez and Diogo Costa featuring on their list. Mendy would want to fight for his place and reclaim the No.1 status. He would still want decent wages to sign a new contract.
Mendy remains one of the most formidable goalkeepers in European football, and Chelsea would consider it a loss to see him depart. Whether they are ready to break the bank and offer him huge wages remains the question, and the Blues have a huge decision to make.
