Chelsea have made contact with AC Milan to enquire about the possibility of signing Mike Maignan, though have been informed that the goalkeeper is not for sale. The west London club are looking to secure a new No.1 this summer, with both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy expected to leave if suitable offers are received. New boss Mauricio Pochettino feels a new goalkeeper is required and, alongside a new midfielder and striker, sees the position as one of three key areas that must be addressed this summer.
According to French newspaper L’Equipe, Chelsea have initiated contact with Milan over Maignan, who enjoyed a superb second half of the season after recovering from injury. However, while Maignan may be disappointed by the sacking of Paolo Maldini, Milan’s hierarchy have no intention of letting him leave and will rebuff Chelsea’s interest. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has said it is ‘absolutely impossible’ for Milan to even consider selling Maignan for a rumoured €45million (£38.5m) fee, and it would likely take an offer in excess of €60m (£51m) for them to countenance a sale.
Maignan is one of Europe’s best goalkeepers and has performed superbly for Milan ever since his arrival from Lille in 2021. Both a brilliant shot-stopper and excellent with his feet, the Frenchman – who has succeeded Hugo Lloris as his nation’s number one – helped Milan win the Scudetto in his first season with the club and was exceptional en route to the Champions League semi-final this year. A move for Inter’s Andre Onana is likely to be a more realistic target for Chelsea, though any deal will have to wait until after Saturday night’s Champions League final.