Chelsea continue to overlap with AC Milan in the transfer market as both comings and goings mix with the Italian champions. After a recent relationship between the sides was kickstarted by the loan and the subsequent sale of Fikayo Tomori it was Olivier Giroud that followed suit.
Since last summer though it has been Chelsea driving back to the Rossoneri for their own bite of the cherry. Rafael Leao is a major target heading into 2023 and contract negotiations plus January offers look set to push this saga down the road for a while longer.
Meanwhile, there was also interest in midfielder Ismael Bennacer, but his own deal appears to be sorted before a pre-contract could be agreed. Then, swinging back towards moving away from Stamford Bridge are Hakim Ziyech and now Edouard Mendy. Ziyech was in talks to leave over the summer but the structure of a deal couldn't be finalised.
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His impressive World Cup for Morocco has seen even more interest come his way and with the possible Leao departure it opens up a slot for him to take in Milan. The latest link between the sides is Mendy though. The Senegal shot-stopper has fallen to second choice since Graham Potter's introduction.
Due to being less comfortable in possession than his Spanish teammate Mendy isn't an ideal Potter No1 despite being one of the best in the world just 12 months ago. His form, which has dropped off since the African Cup of Nations triumph earlier in 2022, is a major worry too, especially with contract negotiations ongoing.
Mendy wishes to be paid in accordance with his standing in the side, since initial talks began he has lost the bargaining position though, and the Sun have reported that he felt the latest offer to be disrespectful. Chelsea are now actively searching for a new player in his position with the futures of Kepa and Mendy both uncertain heading into 2023.
When Potter was asked about Mendy's contract ahead of the Premier League's return he remained coy on the subject, saying, "It's not my place to speak publicly about players' contract situations. That's between them and the club. He's been top with us, with me, great guy, happy around the place. In terms of his contract, it's not for me to comment."
Mendy came back into the side for the final two league games before the break after Kepa was injured against Brighton but was part of a losing team in both games.
The club may not have to think too hard before an answer becomes clear regarding his future, with AC Milan emerging as an option. Stefano Piolo's side have got Mike Maignan but he has been injured since October and has created an issue for the Serie A champions. Mendy's drop down the pecking order at Chelsea along with Maignan's status could create room for a deal to be done.
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