Chelsea's bid to sign goalkeeper before Brighton opener takes a surprise £25m twist, says club chief

Chelsea are getting closer to a conclusion in their quest to sign £25m rated Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Lampard has tracked the Senegal stopper for some time and has been impressed with his form with the French outfit, who will play Champions League football next season.

The Blues boss is keen to provide competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga who is yet to convince following his £72million arrival, a world-high fee for a goalkeeper.

“Discussions have started with Chelsea for Edouard Mendy,” club’s president Nicolas Holveck said. “I can understand his desire, he told us. But for the moment, there is no agreement and for a transfer, we need an agreement of the three parties.”

Chelsea have thrown huge financial backing behind Lampard this summer, with spending already past £200million even before any deal for Mendy.

So far they have signed Ajax forward Hakim Ziyech and prolific RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner, who scored after just three minutes of debut in a pre-season friendly at Brighton.

England left-back Ben Chilwell and Paris St Germain defender Thiago Silva also arrived, with Germany midfielder Kai Havertz another talent to join.

France Under-21 defender Malang Sarr has also arrived at Stamford Bridge, but will head straight out on loan.

It will be a testing start to the season for Graham Potter's Brighton who by comparison have seen a much quieter incoming transfer window.

Adam Lallana arrived on a free transfer from Liverpool and Dutch international defender Joel Veltman signed from Ajax for £900,000.