Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has admitted that he is 'happy' with the potential Nathan Ake and Kalidou Koulibaly acquisitions which would see the club move on from the Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger setbacks.
The defence was always going to be the key area of this summer transfer window with large proportions of the £200million plus transfer budget expected to be splashed on re-evolving a backline that isn't there anymore. Both Christensen and Rudiger moved on to Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively as the pair looked for a new challenge away from SW6 and this has left two-three spots that need filling.
Initially, Jules Kounde would have been odds on to secure his dream and long-awaited move to Stamford Bridge but Marina Granovskaia's exit halted that right in its tracks. Then came Matthijs de Ligt and despite initial optimism, the Dutchman's preference of Bayern Munich has forced new owner Todd Boehly to re-focus and re-calibrate and this has now taken the Blues towards securing a double £79million transfer swoop for two defenders, in particular.
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The first is the versatile option in the form of Man City's Nathan Ake. football.london understands that the Blues are in advanced talks for the City defender with the fee and personal terms being discussed. City want over £50million, and a replacement lined up before giving the 'green light' but it is understood that a compromise of around £45m can be reached and accepted on both ends.
In terms of Rudiger's replacement, it seems as though new owner Todd Boehly has settled on Edouard Mendy's international teammate after learning of De Ligt's intentions to secure his ideal Bundesliga transfer.
football.london understands that an agreement is close between Chelsea and Napoli in relation to a £34million deal that will see the Senegalese international sign a lucrative long-term contract in west London.
Koulibaly has already given his thoughts on a Chelsea transfer and his international teammate Mendy has now given his own approval with his admission.
"We were happy with Toni and with Christensen but I think we are more than happy with the defenders who will arrive," he told The Times.
The pair's relationship with their country has always been strong and this has been showcased on many occasions in recent times including when the 31-year-old came to the defence of the former Rennes goalkeeper when Gianluca Donnarumma was picked ahead of him as the world's top goalkeeper by FIFA.
Chelsea fans- With Senegal only conceding two goals in their seven games in the most recent AFCON, do you think a Mendy and Koulibaly axis can help with the Blues' defensive solidity for 2022-23? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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