Antoine Mendy: Monaco eye move for Nice and Senegal defender

Antoine Mendy, the Senegal and France-qualified centre-back currently at Nice, is being linked with a move across the Riviera to Ligue 1 rivals Monaco. The 22-year-old defender is under contract at Nice until 30 June 2028, meaning any deal would require Monaco to negotiate a fee rather than explore a free transfer.

Mendy, who was born in Marseille and stands at 1.87m, has emerged from Nice’s academy structure to establish himself in the first-team squad since being promoted from the B team in 2022. His current market valuation is €10m, a figure that is likely to frame early discussions between the clubs as Monaco assess defensive options for the new campaign.

The defender was trusted in high-stakes domestic matches last season, starting both of Nice’s Ligue 1/Ligue 2 play-off fixtures and playing every minute. He also featured regularly in the Coupe de France, making four appearances and scoring once, underlining his involvement in key knockout fixtures for the club.

Mendy joined Nice’s youth ranks in 2019 from SC Air Bel and progressed through the under-17 side and then the B team before stepping up to the senior squad in July 2022. His development within the club’s system, combined with his contractual security and recent performances, strengthens Nice’s position in any negotiations.

While Monaco’s interest has yet to progress into an agreed deal, Mendy remains tied to Nice for another two seasons, leaving the Ligue 1 side in a strong position to demand a significant fee or keep the defender as part of their squad beyond this summer.