Mike Maignan is reportedly on the radar of free-spending Chelsea, with Lille expected to demand around £27 million for the Frenchman.
According to a report by Sky Sports, Chelsea are interested in signing Mike Maignan from Lille in the summer transfer window. The French goalkeeper, though, will not be a replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga and is instead expected to challenge the Spaniard for the first-choice goalkeeper’s slot.
Maignan joined Lille in the summer of 2015 after failing to establish himself in the first-team setup at PSG. Upon making the switch to Lille, the Frenchman made gradual progress before finally enjoying a breakthrough campaign in 2017/18. In the season that followed, the player was in top form and had a pivotal role to play in Les Dogues boasting the best defensive record in Ligue 1.
He continued going from strength to strength in the season gone by and has gone on to amass over 100 appearances for Lille in the process. His development has not gone unnoticed either, with the 25-year-old attracting a number of top clubs in the past year or so. The latest high-profile outfit in his pursuit are Chelsea.
Chelsea have been on a roll in the summer transfer window so far, having already confirmed three signings. Their latest acquisition is Malang Sarr, with deals for Thiago Silva and Kai Havertz likely to be completed soon as well. One area that is yet to be addressed, though, is the goalkeeping spot.
The Blues spent a hefty amount to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao for a world record fee two years ago. However, the Spanish international has been unable to make a positive and lasting impression on his two managers so far at Chelsea, with Frank Lampard even dropping him for Willy Caballero for stretched periods as a result.
Kepa’s struggles have forced Chelsea into the transfer market for a goalkeeper, with a number of candidates identified as possible additions to the squad. Latest reports had suggested that Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is on Chelsea’s radar, although the west Londoners have seen a £15 million bid being knocked back.
Fellow Ligue 1 keeper Maignan has now emerged as another prospect, with Chelsea mulling over an offer. The 25-year-old will not cost a bomb either, with the report claiming that he is expected to have a price tag of around £27 million.
The Lille star, though, will not be a replacement for Kepa and will instead challenge the Spaniard for the first-choice spot, as per Sky, meaning Caballero could be on his way out. What now remains to be seen is if Chelsea do end up signing a goalkeeper this summer, and if that goalkeeper is Maignan.
