When Chelsea signed the relatively unknown Edouard Mendy last summer, a lot of eyebrows were raised.
Chelsea sealed a move to sign the then-Rennes stopper for £22million, with Kepa Arrizabalaga’s disastrous form forcing Frank Lampard’s hand at Stamford Bridge.
Not many expected Mendy to have the season he did.
He was imperious throughout the camapign, keeping the second most clean sheets in the division (16) and playing an instrumental role in Chelsea’s superb Champions League triumph.
It turned out to be a brilliant piece of business from the Blues and behind the move was none other than Petr Cech, their technical director.
The legend between the sticks hand-picked Mendy himself as he watched his beloved Rennes from afar, having also spent the start of his career in Ligue 1 before cementing his name as a true goalkeeping great at Stamford Bridge.
Mendy is going in the same direction, but Cech may have identified another man from Rennes who could be on his way to Chelsea this summer.
Eduardo Camavinga is reportedly a target this summer with Blues chiefs willing to snap up the youngster ahead of Man United.
The France star only has one year left on his contract and has also attracted strong interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
According to French journalist Julien Laurens, the Blues could be one of the options the Rennes star could end up at this summer if he leaves the French club.
“It’s a huge opportunity for those four clubs, but I don’t think Real Madrid are really in it,” Laurens said about the clubs that are keen on Camavinga. “So, we’re probably looking at Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester United.
“There has been no offer from these clubs, but they have all been talking to Camavinga’s agent.”
With Cech maintaining positive relations with Rennes owner Francois-Henri Pinault, don’t be surprised to see Chelsea win this race – and more involving the French club in the future.
