The Blues confirmed the signing of Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy this morning on a five-year contract, after the goalkeeper passed his medical earlier this week, as revealed by Lampard when he spoke to the media on Tuesday afternoon (see video below).

Lampard also stated his former Chelsea team-mate and current technical and performance advisor Petr Cech had a hand in the move for the Senegalese international, with the head coach highlighting Cech’s glittering career as something for any goalkeeper to aspire to.

‘Every goalkeeper has a journey and a story,’ said Lampard. ‘Petr Cech turned up as a young lad from Ligue 1 in France and created his own story here through his own hard work and his qualities.'

Mendy has been brought in to challenge current goalkeepers Kepa Arrizabalaga and Willy Caballero for a starting spot between the sticks at Chelsea, with Lampard keen for strong competition in every position.

At Rennes last season, Mendy saved 78.4 per cent of the shots he faced, which ranked him in the top three goalkeepers in Ligue 1. He also kept nine clean sheets and conceded on average of 0.79 goals per 90 minutes, putting him in the top two goalkeepers in the French top flight for this stat.

‘That is the benchmark for any goalkeeper that comes to Chelsea, to try and emulate him [Cech]' said Lampard. 'Of course, it’s very tough because of what Petr managed to do in his career.

‘Everyone has that opportunity, so it’s a challenge. Not just for Mendy but for every player in the squad.’