Chelsea are currently attempting to lock down some key players to new contracts, specifically Mason Mount and Edouard Mendy. According to reports, one of these deals is proving to be tougher than the other.
Nizaar Kinsella of the Evening Standard writes that Mount is happy at the club and “there is optimism” that a deal will be reached with the midfielder. Things get more difficult with the Senegalese goalkeeper as the headline reads “Edouard Mendy rejects first offer”.
Edouard Mendy Rejects Initial Contract Offer from Chelsea
New contracts are on the agenda for Chelsea's new owners:
– Mason Mount has had provisional talks but very early days.
– Edouard Mendy has rejected an early offer which was lower than what Kepa is on: https://t.co/GYIyJmYuWc #CFC #UCL— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) September 6, 2022
Why Did He Reject the Offer?
The main hold-up is that the current first-choice goalkeeper was offered inferior terms to backup Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Spanish goalkeeper is reportedly on £190,000 per week per the contract he penned when he joined The Blues in 2018. Most would agree that the Spaniard’s wages are astronomical compared to his role, but that makes it difficult to agree to a deal with his Senegalese counterpart for less.
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According to Kinsella’s report, the current top goalkeeper at Stamford Bridge is one of the lowest earners in the squad. With the 30-year-old’s current deal running until 2025 he is locked in for at least three more years, although recent trends indicate that the club ownership may want him secured for longer.
Recent Criticisms
At times last year, Mendy looked like a prime Petr Cech between the sticks and had some heroic performances. So much so that there was an argument to be made that he was the best Chelsea signing in recent history. His recent performances have drawn criticism, however, as Kinsella points to errors made against Leeds United and West Ham United.
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Despite those errors, Thomas Tuchel is still backing his primary goalkeeping option to succeed. After his performances last year, it is safe to say that he has earned the benefit of the doubt that these slip-ups won’t affect him all season long.
🇸🇳 Édouard Mendy has rejected a new contract offer from Chelsea.
🧤 The goalkeeper has been offered less than Kepa Arrizabalaga. 😳#CFC #ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/3ODI9SFipA
— BabaIjebu (@playbabaijebu) September 6, 2022
