Edouard Mendy has sent Kepa Arrizabalaga a 12-word message with the Senegalese touted to replace the number 2 in goal for the FIFA Club World Cup final against Palmeiras.
Despite a disastrous opening season for Maurizio Sarri's signing, who failed to live up to his £71million price tag in his first season, Kepa has since made up for his early shortcomings in west London with performances against Villarreal in the Super Cup, Plymouth in the FA Cup and Al Hilal, amongst many others, justifying the club's decision to spend big money on the Spain international.
Mendy was - and still is - number one and the expectation coming into the final at the weekend is that the Africa Cup of Nations winner may be reinstated back into his position, despite how well the ex-Athletic Bilbao man has fared in recent weeks.
The main reason for this decision could well be the longevity of both players' future, with football.london understanding that Kepa could be sold in the summer if an adequate offer was to come in
Numerous clubs from Serie A and La Liga, including Sarri's Lazio outfit, are monitoring the situation with Kepa ahead of a potential bid for a player labelled as 'world class' by Mateo Kovacic.
A similar sentiment was shared in Zsolt Low's assessment of Chelsea's current second-choice option.
"We're very important. In the cup he did a big performance to save the penalty," the German said in his Al Hilal post-match press conference.
"Today when we needed him he was there and made one big save. He's in very good shape. He plays and trains well. We're lucky to have him. In the next days we have to decide who plays the final. We're waiting for Thomas' opinion and the goalkeeping coaches before we take the decision for the final."
Whoever is trusted to start in goal is yet to be decided, but as per London News Online, the African-born shot-stopper is set to be given the nod.
Regardless of the eventual outcome of the selection decision, the 29-year-old has sent Kepa a 'fantastic' 12-word message that will only encourage teams across Europe to take another chance on a player who was tipped to be the best goalkeeper in the world when signed as Thibaut Courtois' heir.
"He did a fantastic job when I was at AFCON, even before," Mendy's 12-word message read.
"We all know how good he is and this is why you play for Chelsea. You are the best player in every position."
He then went on to add, regarding the goalkeeping team at the club: "You have to be ready, to fight for your place.
"Yes, we work really well with Marcus [Bettinelli] also and the goalkeeper coach, Hilario. I think it's very good teamwork. The team is most important."
