Chelsea transfer news latest news: Declan Rice to become priority as Edouard Mendy move nears completion

The Blues, while preparing for Monday night’s Premier League opener against Brighton, remain active in the market

Declan Rice is wanted by Chelsea (Getty)

Chelsea have spent in excess of £200m this summer and will finally put some of those pieces together on the pitch for the first time in an official game as they kick off the new campaign at Brighton on Monday.

The Blues are not done yet in the market though, that’s despite adding potentially five starters in the shape of Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell.

We know that Frank Lampard has big reservations about Kepa Arrizabalaga, too, so don’t be shocked if there’s not just a new goalkeeper, but even a new starter over Willy Caballero.

Lampard craves one final piece beyond that it seems too, somebody capable of covering at the back and in midfield to ease the burden on N’Golo Kante - more of him later.

Here are the latest transfer rumours, gossip and stories floating around Stamford Bridge on the even of the new Premier League season.

Rice the final target to cap of incredible window

Fabrizio Romano believes Edouard Mendy is close to becoming a Chelsea player with a deal nearing completion with Rennes.

The giant goalkeeper could come in a immediately replace both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Willy Caballero.

Though he may need a few weeks to adjust to his new surroundings and a different style of football in the Premier League.

But once a £18.2m deal is completed, one final push for what could well be an almost perfect window could take place according to the Italian reporter.

Declan Rice is the dream signing to represent the cherry on top of the cake - though West Ham will be super reluctant to let their talisman go.

It’s easy to see why Lampard would like the England international, who emerged from the Blues academy as a teenager.

With his ability to play as a centre-back and also in midfield, finally removing Lampard’s reliance on Kante, Rice is a natural fit, but would cost in excess of £50m.

Giroud wants to stay despite Juve interest

Olivier Giroud will stay at Chelsea, PA understands, with the French striker likely to shun interest from Juventus.

Depending on whether the Old Lady signs Luis Suarez or not, Giroud may have a route towards being a starter for the Italian champions, but his happiness to remain in London, plus Lampard’s need to rotate his strikers with the busy schedule coming up appears to have convinced him to stay.

With seven goals in his last 12 games for the Blues and the likelihood that Lampard will play Timo Werner alongside another centre-forward at some point, Giroud has a big role to play - in addition to mentoring Tammy Abraham.

Mendy holds final talks to leave Rennes

Mendy has already stated his intention to leave Rennes, having not featured for the French club since the end of August.

The Senegalese shot-stopper did not train with the Ligue 1 club on Friday morning, despite a game with Nimes on Sunday.

Though the 28-year-old was at the Rennes training ground with his representatives to hold final talks to smooth over a probable move to Stamford Bridge.

Napoli want Emerson

With Ben Chilwell joining and Marcos Alonso valued for his contribution in the final third, Emerson could be on his way out at Stamford Bridge.

Napoli could lead a Serie A contingent to bring the former Roma star back to Italy, report Sky Sport Italia.

His signing at the San Paolo would depend on Faouzi Ghoulam leaving, with Wolves previously linked with the Algerian.