Potter refuses to comment on Mendy’s Chelsea future amid rejected contract offer

Graham Potter will leave Edouard Mendy’s contract situation to Chelsea to handle as he focuses on their Premier League restart.

The 30-year-old was in talks with the club during the summer over a new contract, but it has recently been reported that Mendy rejected a new six-year offer.

It has been claimed he wants parity with Kepa Arrizabalaga, who earns around £190,000-a-week while Mendy is on less than £100,000-a-week.

More ‘respect’ is wanted considering Mendy’s achievements at the club since he joined from Rennes in 2019, including winning the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup.

Mendy has lost his number one place at Chelsea following the departure of Thomas Tuchel. When Graham Potter was appointed, Mendy was out through injury and Kepa capitalised on his chance by impressing.

Kepa has been struggling with injury and Mendy came back into the side prior to the World Cup break, but it remains unclear on what the future holds for the Senegal international.

With Mendy’s contract standoff coming up ahead of their Premier League return against AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday, Potter was asked about the goalkeeper’s position at the club.

He refused to be drawn into the matter which is between Mendy and the club, however was full of praise for the 30-year-old on their working relationship.

“It’s not my place to speak publicly about players’ contract situations,” admitted Potter.

“That’s between them and the club. He’s been top with us, with me, great guy, happy around the place.

“In terms of his contract it’s not for me to comment.”

Mendy has been in training the last couple of days, per Potter, and will hope to keep his spot in goal ahead of Kepa for the game against Bournemouth.