AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan was once the top target for Chelsea in the summer transfer window, but was able to try again in January.
Widely considered one of the best shot stoppers in World Football, France International held discussions to join Chelsea before the Club World Cup, but the West Londoner only paid around £12 million for his signature (Ben Jacobs).
Chelsea Summer Transfer (Permanent Only) | |
|---|---|
Incoming call | Send |
Joan Pedro | Please call Maduyke |
Jamie Gitens | Joan Felix |
Jorrel Hato | Djordje Petrovic |
Liam Dellup | Leslie Bush |
Dario Essugo | Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall |
Mamadou Sarr | Renato Vega |
Stem | Armando Bruha |
Kendry Paes | Kearney Chime |
Alejandro Garnacho | Mathis Amougou |
Basir Humphreys | |
Kepa Arrizabalaga | |
Marcus Bettinelli | |
Christopher Nunk | |
Nicholas Jackson (obligated to buy in 2026) | |
Alfie Gilchrist | |
Lucas Bergstrom | |
Ben Chilwell | |
As Milan had requested a request close to £25 million, the deal, as widely reported, reached a hindrance and ultimately could not be made by the transfer deadline of September 1st, despite Maignan’s attempt to join Enzo Maresca’s side.
Maresca personally wanted Chelsea to sign a new goalkeeper and centre-back over the summer (Simon Phillips), but the Italians didn’t get his wish, even if they were ultimately exploring opportunities until the second half of the window.
“Chelsea will still be in the market for new centre-backs and new goalkeepers, even after Jorrel Hato comes in.
“There is no guarantee that both positions have been signed at this stage, or even just one, that will be another article and opportunity later today.
“There’s still a chance they could return to Mike Maignan late in the window, but they still see the names of the other goalkeepers.”
The Chelsea Keeper’s pursuit points to the current lack of faith in Robert Sanchez, the latter of which has been more impressed recently, but Maresca is thought to be unhappy with his options in that area of the park (Simon Phillips).
With Gianluigi Donnarumma joining Man City, Maignan will return to the frame as the top goalkeeping target for 2026, with a Milan contract scheduled to expire next summer.
Mike Maynyaan’s attitude to leave Chelsea and AC Milan moving in January
According to TBR Football journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea is ready to move to Maignan in January and signed him before signing him before next season.
Les Bleus’ number one postponed all new contract talks with Milan. This is a clear indicator that they are looking to leave Sansilo next year, allowing Chelsea to benefit from the arrival of a proven keeper.
“I asked Chelsea sources several times and asked why they weren’t involved with Gianluigi Donnaruma or Emi Martinez, and despite knowing they knew they had replaced Robert Sanchez in June, they weren’t interested,” Bailey told TBR.
“Chelsea have kept the powder dry. As we’ve seen in Blueco and Chelsea in recent years, they know what they’re doing and have plans, which includes landing a new goalkeeper in 2026.
Sanchez holds two clean sheets in his first three Premier League matches, but as Liverpool’s Allison explained, there is little to deny that Maignan is an upgrade.
“He’s physical, fast and clean techniques. He’s very strong. He’s one of the best in the world,” Allison said of Meignan’s quality.
“The quality of the goalkeeper has really improved. Mike Maignan is among this elite.”
