Chelsea boss highlights struggling ‘Temple Keeper’ decline as Juventus target £34m transfer

 Chelsea boss highlights struggling ‘Temple Keeper’ decline as Juventus target £34m transfer

Hazel Turner 03/12/2022

Since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea manager Graham Potter has preferred Kepa Arrizabalaga to Edouard Mendy, who has struggled to reclaim his place in the team.

Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy lost his starting spot after Graham Potter arrived at Stamford Bridge. Potter has kept Kepa Arrizabalaga as his starting goalkeeper since taking over for Thomas Tuchel as Blues manager.

Mendy’s form has dipped this season, and he hasn’t been able to improve it with Senegal at the World Cup. The 30-year-old goalkeeper was responsible for both of the Netherlands’ goals in their opening World Cup match in Group A, which Senegal lost 2-0 despite qualifying for the round of 16.

Mendy has started just two Premier League games since Potter took over at Chelsea in September, and both were because Kepa was injured. Mendy is currently preparing for Senegal’s round of 16 match against England on Sunday, but his future at Stamford Bridge is uncertain.

Chelsea are said to have already offered Mendy to London rivals Tottenham in the January transfer window, with Potter keen to sign a replacement to start ahead of Kepa. The Senegalese goalkeeper cost Chelsea £22 million when he arrived in 2019 and is now linked with a surprise move to Juventus, according to TuttoJuve.

Mendy is currently worth €40 million (£34 million) according to CIES Football Observatory because his contract does not expire until 2025. Chelsea, on the other hand, may be willing to accept a fee closer to what they paid for the 30-year-old three years ago in order to move him on and free up some transfer and wage budget.

Mendy was an important player for Tuchel, helping the Blues win the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup, but his time at Stamford Bridge appears to be coming to an end.