Chelsea offer 'nowhere near' £52k-a-week star's demands at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea star Edouard Mendy is expected to be offered ‘improved terms’ after the club’s initial proposal of a new Stamford Bridge contract came ‘nowhere near’ to meeting his demands, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The Blues spent more than £250million during the summer transfer window and have now turned their attentions towards tying their first choice goalkeeper down to a long-term deal.

According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea have been frustrated in their initial efforts to agree fresh terms with Mendy as he turned down the west Londoners’ opening proposal.

The report suggests the 24-cap Senegal international was unhappy after being offered inferior terms to back-up goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who rakes in £190,000-per-week.

Mendy, whose contract is not due to expire until the summer of 2025, is currently among Chelsea’s lowest earners as he pockets £52,000 every seven days.

The 30-year-old is making progress in his return from injury and could feature against Crystal Palace after he was pictured being put through his paces by new head coach Graham Potter earlier this week.

Mendy missed the Champions League group stage clashes against Dinamo Zagreb and Red Bull Salzburg with a recurring knee issue.

Phillips understands that Mendy rejected Chelsea’s opening offer a new contract and his representatives were not impressed with the proposal.

The journalist believes the capital club will return to the negotiating table and commit to offering a higher salary.

Phillips told GIVEMESPORT: “He’s rejected the first offer from Chelsea. I’m told that his people are saying that it’s nowhere near what they’d accept.

“There’s quite a big gap there between what they want and what Chelsea are offering. I expect Chelsea to