Chelsea Football Club has taken a significant step in their pursuit of AC Milan's esteemed goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the upcoming season. The 29-year-old French international, widely regarded as one of the premier goalkeepers in world football, has attracted interest from several top clubs, but Chelsea appears to be leading the race for his signature.
Maignan's current contract with AC Milan is set to expire in June 2026, and while the Italian giants are keen to retain his services, negotiations over a contract extension have reportedly stalled. Chelsea has made multiple inquiries about Maignan's availability, signaling their intent to secure a top-tier goalkeeper to strengthen their defensive lineup.
Despite Chelsea's interest, AC Milan has set a substantial asking price for Maignan, reportedly around €80 million (£66.8 million). This valuation has been a point of contention, with Chelsea hesitant to meet the high fee. However, Milan's failure to qualify for European competitions has impacted their finances, potentially making them more amenable to negotiations to avoid losing Maignan on a free transfer in the future.
Chelsea's current goalkeeping roster includes Robert Sánchez, Filip Jorgensen, Djordje Petrovic, and 19-year-old Mike Penders. While the club had planned to assess these options during the Club World Cup, the potential acquisition of Maignan would likely position him as the first-choice goalkeeper, prompting a reshuffle in the squad.
Maignan's impressive track record includes helping Lille secure the Ligue 1 title in the 2020-21 season before moving to AC Milan, where he won the Serie A title in his debut season. He has also established himself as France's number one goalkeeper, succeeding Hugo Lloris.
While Chelsea continues to monitor Maignan's situation, they are also exploring other options, including Burnley's James Trafford, though Newcastle currently leads that pursuit. Additionally, Chelsea is finalizing a £30 million deal for Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap, reflecting the club's broader strategy to strengthen key positions.
As the summer transfer window progresses, Chelsea's pursuit of Mike Maignan remains a focal point, with the club weighing the financial implications against the potential benefits of securing one of Europe's top goalkeepers. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly influence Chelsea's defensive stability and overall performance in the forthcoming season.
_2_11zon.jpg)
0 Comments