Chelsea will no longer pursue a deal for 30-year-old French international and AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Mike Maignan has been the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues have been keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a goalkeeper in the summer transfer window. So, the 30-year-old AC Milan shot-stopper has been a target for the West London club.
However, the 2024/25 UEFA Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup winners have decided against pursuing the Frenchman’s signature due to AC Milan’s asking price of £20 million. While personal terms were not an issue, the Serie A club’s valuation has ended the move. Chelsea’s decision will benefit Robert Sanchez, and he will be the first-choice goalkeeper in the 2025/26 season.
Mike Maignan and his career so far
Mike Maignan has established himself one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the world since his spell with LOSC Lille. The 30-year-old became a household name during his time with Les Dogues, and he has gone from strength to strength since joining AC Milan from the Ligue 1 club in July 2021.
The French international has turned out over 150 times thus far for AC Milan while keeping 59 clean sheets and conceding 170 goals. However, Maignan’s long-term future has been uncertain, as he has entered the final 12 months of his contract. The situation has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Chelsea.
London calling?
Chelsea’s interest in Mike Maignan has been baffling yet understandable. While Enzo Maresca has several goalkeepers in his squad, Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen were error-prone in the 2024/25 season. However, while the West London club can do with a new top-class goalkeeper, they must offload multiple shot-stoppers before signing someone in the summer transfer window.
Nevertheless, Maignan has been a viable target for Chelsea, and the Blues were keen on securing his services before the FIFA Club World Cup. Chelsea retained an interest after the triumphant Club World Cup campaign, and a summer move seemed to be on the cards. However, AC Milan’s asking price of £20 million has forced them to rule out a bid for the 30-year-old Frenchman.
While personal terms have not been an issue, the French international will not move to Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window. The decision will benefit Robert Sanchez, who will be Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper in the 2025/26 season.