Transfer Centre

Chelsea 'end interest in Lille goalkeeper Mike Maignan'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 03 September 2020

Chelsea reportedly pull out of the running to sign Lille goalkeeper Mike Maignan in favour of focusing on their pursuit of Edouard Mendy of Rennes.

Chelsea have reportedly ended their interest in Lille goalkeeper Mike Maignan in order to focus their pursuit on Edouard Mendy of Rennes.

Frank Lampard is understood to have made the signing of a new shot-stopper one of his priorities for the remainder of the transfer window, having been unconvinced by Kepa Arrizabalaga's performances last season.

The world's most expensive goalkeeper ended the campaign with the lowest save percentage in the Premier League, while Chelsea as a team had the worst defensive record in the top half.

The likes of Jan Oblak, Mendy and Maignan are among the names to have been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge, but Sky Sports News reports that they have ended their pursuit of the latter.

Lille were reportedly demanding £32m for the 25-year-old, whereas Chelsea were only willing to pay up to £22m.

The Blues are hopeful of landing Mendy for a similar price having opened talks with Rennes - a club technical director Petr Cech has close ties to, having previously played there.

Chelsea have been the biggest spenders in this summer's window already, with the imminent arrival of Kai Havertz set to take their outlay to more than £200m.