Edouard Mendy is set to undergo his Chelsea medical today with his unveiling as Frank Lampard's seventh signing of the summer imminent.
The Blues have agreed a £22million deal with Ligue 1 side Rennes for the Senegalese goalkeeper, who is being brought in to provide competition for faltering first choice Kepa Arrizabalaga.
After Chelsea spent the break between seasons trying unsuccessfully to find a buyer for Kepa, the 25-year-old has started the season with two mistakes in two games - the worst coming on Sunday when he passed the ball straight to Sadio Mane, who scored Liverpool's second in their 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
Lampard said he would support Kepa following his nightmare start to the season, but in adding Mendy to his ranks the Chelsea manager's intentions are clear.
Speaking after the Liverpool defeat, Lampard said: "Kepa has to keep working and he has to have support around him, that's very clear.
"Individually players need support, particularly from myself, and I give that to all the players.
And now we've got to try to give him confidence, because that's important.”
Lampard had also considered a move for Ajax No.1 Andre Onana.
However, Petr Cech - now Chelsea's technical director - has close ties with Rennes and has long tracked Mendy.
