Not even a year ago there were plans to offer Edouard Mendy a new contract and Kepa Arrizabalaga was considering a future away from Chelsea. The Spaniard was clearly the club's second choice keeper and had even lost his duty as the Blues' domestic cup goalkeeper towards the end of last term.
Under Thomas Tuchel, Mendy found himself secure as the west London side's primary option in net. His first year at the club was simply outstanding and while his form slightly faltered in the latter part of 2021/22, he was established and trusted. Undoubtedly, the Senegal international had proved a steal since arriving at the club for £22million under Frank Lampard and cementing his place in goal.
After two seasons at the club, it would have been understandable to see Mendy sign under improved terms having proved himself at the top level. Nine months on, no agreement has been forthcoming over a deal.
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At the same time, Kepa was once again been linked with a Stamford Bridge departure. The 28-year-old has enjoyed a tumultuous Chelsea career in and out of the side while the record £71.6million fee Athletic Bilbao received for his signature has loomed large.
Any transfer for the Spain international has proved difficult due to the loss Chelsea would have to take and the significant financial package Kepa would require if a loan move was to be successful. While his future was considered last summer, and it's believed Kepa was open to a move, a stay at Stamford Bridge has been inevitable in some regard.
The 2022/23 season has proved different for both, however. Some early season mistakes and two injuries have restricted Mendy to 11 appearances this season with Kepa taking the reins in his absence.
The goalkeeper has worked his way back into Spain's most recent squad via some outstanding performances across the season and with Mendy on the verge of returning to Chelsea's first team squad, it would seem the position is probably Kepa's to lose for the moment.
In many ways this leaves both goalkeepers in difficult positions moving forwards. The platform from which Mendy can negotiate a new contract is considerably weaker than it was 12 months ago and though Kepa's performances have been spectacular at times, his overall form has perhaps not been good enough to commit him as the new long term No.1.
Furthermore, a new goalkeeper has long been placed on the Chelsea agenda for this summer and could quickly become a priority dependent on the futures of Kepa and Mendy. The duo both have contracts that run until 2025 and June will bring a pivotal point.
While the Blues have a number of pressing deals to resolve as the likes of Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and others enter the final year of the respective contracts, the new hierarchy do not want players to have less than two years on their deals as a matter of course. That of course means a new deal or a departure.
It is unlikely Chelsea would bring in another goalkeeper to challenge for the No.1 spot, without the departure of at least one of the two goalkeepers, even with Marcus Bettinelli's contract set to expire.
CIES values Mendy at £22.1million and Kepa at £13.2million. For that reason and others mentioned mentioned above, Mendy may be the more sellable prospect. Regardless, Graham Potter and those above him have some big decisions to make come the end of the season.
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