In the last summer transfer window, Chelsea were extremely busy as they brought in the likes of Jadon Sancho and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Sancho and Dewsbury-Hall played big parts in Chelsea‘s Conference League final win against Real Betis, with the latter setting up the former for the Blues’ third goal of the night.
And had Chelsea had their way, it looks like another player could have also shared in the team’s European success.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, they had a superstar on their shortlist whom they failed to sign last year.
Chelsea had Mike Maignan on their shortlist in 2024
AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan has become a priority for Chelsea this summer, but this is not the first time that the Blues have targeted him.
Romano recently shared on The Here We Go Podcast that Chelsea wanted to sign the 29-year-old in 2024 but he was deemed “untouchable” by Milan.
Discussing Chelsea’s latest interest in Maignan, Romano said: “They believe Maignan is an opportunity. One year left on his contract, experienced but not too old to be a goalkeeper, also very good with distribution, so he’s a player they really like.
“He’s a player who was already on Chelsea’s list one year ago, but he was untouchable for Milan.”
Since joining Milan from Lille in 2021, Maignan has developed into one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
He helped Milan to win the 2021/22 Serie A title, finishing the campaign with an impressive 81.2% save percentage (via FBref). It is no surprise that Chelsea are after him.
When Chelsea could sign Mike Maignan
While Chelsea missed out on Maignan last year, they have a great chance of signing him now. The Frenchman has reached the final 12 months of his contract, forcing Milan to put their first-choice goalkeeper on the market.
If everything goes to plan, Chelsea and Milan could settle on a fee before the end of Monday. There is some negotiating to do, though.
So far, Milan have refused to budge on their £25m valuation of Maignan. Turning 30 next month and with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2026, Chelsea are refusing to meet Milan’s demands.
Hopefully, something can be agreed, as Maignan has shown in Italy that he is a top keeper.
