European contenders track Antoine Mendy as OGC Nice assess potential sale

OGC Nice are prepared to consider offers for Senegal defender Antoine Mendy, with a number of European clubs monitoring the 22-year-old after his rapid progress in recent months.

Mendy, who started in the final of the most recent Africa Cup of Nations, has attracted growing interest from Italy, England and France. Nice are looking to strengthen their finances and, according to Foot Mercato, are not closing the door on a departure for a player who remains under contract with the club until 30 June 2028.

The defender has been monitored by Fiorentina and Udinese in Italy, with both clubs making initial enquiries to assess whether a transfer could be possible. Crystal Palace are also following the situation closely in England.

The Premier League club are understood to be particularly interested in Mendy’s athletic qualities, his ability to play in more than one defensive position and the potential he still has to develop. Those characteristics are viewed as a strong fit for the demands of English football.

According to exclusive information from Africafoot, Mendy has also been included on AS Monaco’s shortlist. The growing number of interested clubs could lead to increased competition for his signature in the coming transfer window.

Nice are aware of the attention surrounding the player and hope to secure a significant fee if he leaves the club. The French side are reportedly seeking to begin negotiations at €15m.

That figure is above Mendy’s current estimated market value of €10m, according to Transfermarkt. With several potential suitors already positioned, discussions could intensify quickly if one of the interested clubs decides to make a formal approach.

Mendy developed at Burel FC before continuing his progression on the Cote d’Azur. He has since established himself as a dependable member of the Nice squad and has made close to 100 appearances in senior professional football.

His versatility has been an important part of his progress. Although primarily regarded as a right-back, Mendy can also operate in central defence, giving him the flexibility to cover more than one role across the back line.

The Senegal international’s contract means Nice are under no immediate obligation to sell, but the club’s desire to replenish its finances could make a sizeable offer difficult to ignore. For now, Fiorentina, Udinese, Crystal Palace and AS Monaco are among the clubs linked with a move, while Nice assess whether Mendy’s development and international profile can produce a major transfer fee.