Chelsea are reportedly keen to raid AC Milan for 29-year-old French international Mike Maignan in the summer transfer window.
According to Sky Sports, Chelsea have opened dialogue over a potential move for AC Milan’s first-choice goalkeeper Mike Maignan but are currently unwilling to meet the Italian club’s £25 million valuation.
With just one year left on his contract at San Siro and no extension agreed upon, Maignan’s future has attracted growing interest from the Stamford Bridge hierarchy. While talks are ongoing, Chelsea are hesitant to commit a significant fee for a 29-year-old, who could be available for less or even on a free transfer next summer.
This pursuit comes despite Chelsea already having a surplus of goalkeepers. The Blues currently has Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Djordje Petrovic, Mike Penders, and Kepa Arrizabalaga on the books. A move for Maignan would undoubtedly necessitate a major reshuffle in the goalkeeping department, with at least one, if not more, set to depart before the 2025/26 season kicks off.
Mike Maignan: A proven goalkeeper at the top level
Maignan, who joined AC Milan from Lille in 2021, has steadily built a reputation as one of Europe’s most reliable goalkeepers. He helped Lille win the Ligue 1 title before playing a pivotal role in Milan’s 2022 Serie A triumph and their 2024 Supercoppa Italiana victory. His consistent displays have also earned him 30 caps for France and a place in the Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament, underscoring his quality at both club and international levels.
For Chelsea, a club historically known for their elite keepers like Petr Cech and Thibaut Courtois, Maignan fits the mould of a ready-made No.1. Unlike some of the current options, he offers a commanding presence, experience at the highest levels, and the leadership required between the posts. His arrival would send a strong message that Chelsea are done experimenting and are ready to restore authority to their last line of defence.
A key decision for Chelsea to make
The challenge for Chelsea lies not only in negotiating the right price with Milan but also in managing their crowded roster of goalkeepers. While Sanchez and Jorgensen have had opportunities, neither has fully convinced fans or the coaching staff. Petrovic and Penders, meanwhile, have been on loan, while Kepa’s long-term future appears increasingly uncertain.
With so many moving parts, Chelsea must tread carefully. Signing Maignan would provide immediate stability, but it would also trigger a chain reaction that forces the club to streamline its squad, potentially offloading players permanently or arranging further loan deals. Nonetheless, this is the sort of strategic decision the club must make to climb back to the upper echelons of English football.
Bringing in Mike Maignan would mark a significant upgrade in a position where Chelsea have lacked clarity since Edouard Mendy’s decline. The Frenchman is not a gamble, a prospect, or a work-in-progress, he is a proven winner with domestic and international accolades. If Chelsea can negotiate a reasonable fee, this could be one of the smartest acquisitions of their summer. More importantly, it would signal a return to the club’s tradition of having world-class figures between the sticks — a move fans would surely welcome.