Chelsea identify three goalkeepers as potential Edouard Mendy replacement in January.

Edouard Mendy's recent form is a source of concern to Chelsea.

Per Simon Philips, Chelsea are concerned about Edouard Mendy's recent performances and are already lining up a replacement for him in January, and per SportsKeeda, three names have been identified. 

The Chelsea number 16 lost his place as the Blues' no.1 goalkeeper to Kepa Arrizabalaga and has not been the same since then. He has not kept a clean sheet, conceding five goals in two games the Blues played against Brighton and Arsenal respectively. 

The last straw was his recent performance against Netherlands, where the 30 year old committed two howlers. Netherlands scored two late goals courtesy of Cody Gakpo and Davy Klassen. Although Senegal had a decent performance, two blunders from Edouard Mendy led to the two goals scored against them. 

For the first goal, Mendy had rushed to punch away Frenkie De Jong's beautifully crossed ball only for Gakpo to beat him to it with a header, although, it could be said that should Mendy have even stayed on the line, the ball was destined for the back of the net. 

For the second on the counter, Memphis Depay's tame shot was only parried gently away, allowing Klassen to power home the rebound. 

Per SportsKeeda, three names have been identified as Mendy's replacement in January. 

1. Diogo Costa: 

Portugal's Diogo Costa is number one on Chelsea's list of potential replacements for Mendy. His brilliance earned him a call-up to the World Cup for Portugal. However, he will still have to compete with the likes of Rui Patricio and Jose Sa for a starting spot. Per SportsKeeda, the 23-year-old shot-stopper could be an ideal option for Chelsea to strengthen their goalkeeping department next season, should Mendy depart. Costa, who is 6ft 4inches, commands a huge physical presence which is a necessary quality for modern day goalkeepers. He also possesses excellent ball-playing ability, something that Mendy lacks in his game.

The Portuguese shot-stopper kept nine clean sheets in 19 games across competitions for Porto prior to joining his national side for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

However, the Blues will have to shell out a lot of money to bring in the promising shot-stopper. As per reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 23-year-old also signed a new long-term contract with Porto until 2027 which has a release clause of approximately £65 million.

2. Jordan Pickford: 

Second on the list is England's Jordan Pickford who is highly regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. 

Pee multiple reports, he is clearly targeted by Chelsea and the club will be keeping tabs on him during the World Cup. 

3. Robert Sanchez: 

Per SportsKeeda, Another suitable option for Chelsea to sign in to in the summer to replace Mendy is Brighton & Hove Albion shot-stopper Robert Sanchez. The Spain international is currently among a list of highly rated goalkeepers in the Premier League, despite not playing for a Big-Six Premier League team.

Since making his Premier League debut in November 2020, Sanchez has continued to get better in between the sticks for the Seagulls.One of his major attributes, which could be a huge bonus for the Blues, is his ball distribution ability.

 Sanchez is a modern sweeper goalkeeper who gives his defense a lot of confidence, especially playing from the back.

His relationship with Chelsea head coach Potter could also be a deciding factor in convincing him to make the switch to west London. Recall that the duo worked together at Brighton, with Potter handing Sanchez his Premier League debut during a 2-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in November 2020.

Sanchez has kept four clean sheets in 14 Premier League appearances for the Seagulls this season. He was also called up to Spain for the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar and Transfermarkt currently values him at around £28 million.