AC Milan are one of Europe’s biggest clubs, but Mike Maignan seems desperate to leave them for Chelsea this summer.
Chelsea, of course, are also a heavyweight in European football, so it is not a complete shock that the goalkeeper wants to join them.
However, while Maignan is interested in a move to Chelsea, Milan are making things difficult as they refuse to budge on their valuation of the player.
The 29-year-old could be about to force their hand, though, as he tries to secure a switch to Enzo Maresca‘s side.
Mike Maignan threatens to run down contract
Maignan has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Milan, giving him greater control over his future.
The Frenchman will be able to leave the San Siro on a free transfer next year and, according to L’Equipe, that is exactly what he will do if Milan do not grant him a move to Chelsea this summer.
The outlet claims that Maignan has already told his management that he plans to run down his deal should he be forced to remain in Italy.
There could be an update on the France international’s future very soon. Over the weekend, it was reported that Chelsea wanted to finalise a deal for Maignan by Monday.
Maignan joining the Blues could have ramifications for Robert Sanchez. There had already been talk about Sanchez leaving before news of Chelsea’s interest in Maignan broke.
Tony Cascarino thought Chelsea would sign Premier League goalkeeper instead of Maignan
Maignan is not the only goalkeeper who has been linked to the Conference League winners this year. There had also been rumours about Caoimhin Kelleher potentially joining Chelsea.
Former Blue Tony Cascarino was convinced that his old side would register an interest in Kelleher while the 26-year-old was at Liverpool, but it is Brentford who have landed his signature.
When Cascarino spoke about Chelsea’s goalkeeper situation over the weekend, he said: “I mean, I really thought they were going to have an interest in Kelleher. I thought they were going to have an interest in him.
“I thought that was a really reasonable one because I think he’s a really solid keeper. But yeah, Maignan is an option.”
With Kelleher now off the market, it is probably going to be Maignan or bust for Chelsea.
