Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly considering a summer swoop for Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy, who could be sold by the European champions.
According to Fichajes, Real Madrid are ready to part ways with Ferland Mendy this summer and the Frenchman is attracting interest from two of the biggest Premier League clubs in the form of Chelsea and Manchester United.
Mendy signed for Real Madrid in the summer of 2019 from French outfit Olympique Lyon in a deal worth €48 million. He has been a permanent fixture in the starting lineup for most of his stint in Spain, making 105 appearances in which he has five goals and nine assists. He played a key role in Los Blancos’ La Liga and Champions League triumph this past season with seven goal-involvements in 35 matches.
However, Real Madrid are ready to cash in on Mendy this summer as they have signed Antonio Rudiger from Chelsea to bolster their defence. The German’s arrival would likely see David Alaba shift to the left-back position, thus pushing Mendy to the bench. And Los Blancos have decided to cash in on the 27-year-old and replace him with Fran Garcia.
Mendy’s potential availability in the summer transfer window has seemingly alerted several top clubs from across Europe, including Chelsea and Manchester United.
Chelsea are in the market for a new left-back as they prepare to bid goodbye to Marcos Alonso. The Spaniard is entering the final year of his contract and has made his desire to return to his homeland abundantly clear. Barcelona are keen on signing the left-back, and his departure would open up a slot for someone like Mendy to arrive at Chelsea in the summer.
However, Chelsea will likely have to stave off competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United. The Red Devils have two options in the left-back position in Luke Shaw and Alex Telles, but the duo underperformed in the last season. Furthermore, Telles has been linked with an exit and with Brandon Williams also unlikely to be kept around after his loan spell, there could be room for a new left-back.
To that end, Mendy has emerged as a prospective target for Manchester United. However, any move would depend on Erik ten Hag getting rid of either Telles or Shaw in the summer. Apart from Chelsea and Manchester United, Juventus are also keen on the French international as they look for an upgrade on the regressing Alex Sandro.
Real Madrid, as per the report, would likely demand a transfer fee more than the €48 million they spent to sign Mendy, considering that he still has three years left on his contract. The asking price should not be an issue for Chelsea or Manchester United. But it remains to be seen if they have a genuine interest in signing the 27-year-old.
