Chelsea have initiated contacts with AC Milan for Mike Maignan, although any transfer for the French international will be complicated.
According to L’Equipe, Chelsea have initiated contact with AC Milan for Mike Maignan. The Blues are stepping up their efforts to bring a new No.1 as early as possible, but there are complications in signing the 27-year-old French international.
Chelsea will embark on a busy summer window, as Mauricio Pochettino seems involved in shaping the squad ahead of the new season. The Argentine manager wants to make necessary changes to personnel, with the goalkeeping situation considered important.
One or both of Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy could depart the club in the close season. Chelsea have already identified several options in the market but had essentially narrowed down on Inter Milan’s Andre Onana. They also pondered offering Ruben Loftus-Cheek in exchange, but the Nerrazurri are keen to get a high transfer fee.
While proper negotiations with Inter might occur in the days after the UEFA Champions League final, Chelsea have already shortlisted an alternative. They have not gone too far away from Inter Milan, as they reportedly submitted an offer for Mike Maignan of AC Milan.
The 27-year-old French international has had a wonderful two seasons at San Siro since his €15 million move from Lille. In his first campaign, he helped Milan win the Scudetto and took them to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in his second.
There were suggestions Milan would accept a fee close to their €60 million valuation; they are unwilling to do business at that price. Irrespective of what has been reported, Chelsea have contacted the Italian giants to find a breakthrough.
Milan value Maignan and would not want to lose him. They are in the process of solidifying their side and mostly want to retain their key stars. The recent extension for Rafael Leao is proof of that, and they might want to keep Maignan unless he wants to leave.
Chelsea will not offer Champions League or European football of any kind next season. In contrast, Milan will once again compete in the top-tier continental competition. Yet, the lure of joining one of the biggest sides in England could entice the 27-year-old French international into leaving Milan.
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Things could get clearer in the coming days as Chelsea plays their cards with both Maignan and Onana. They might feel optimistic about landing one of those keepers, with the 27-year-old French international an alternative to the Cameroonian.