Mike Maignan informs AC Milan of Chelsea transfer decision
- Barnaby Lane
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Chelsea’s interest in AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan has intensified in recent days, as the club looks to upgrade its No.1 position following an underwhelming campaign from Robert Sánchez.
Talks have reportedly begun between the Blues and Maignan, who is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in world football. And now, it appears the French international has made his stance clear.
According to GIVEMESPORT and TalkSPORT reporter Ben Jacobs, Maignan has “told Milan he wants to join Chelsea.”
“The French keeper has now made it clear he wants to leave,” Jacobs wrote on X, adding that Chelsea are pushing to complete the deal before the Club World Cup kicks off on June 14.
However, securing the move may not be straightforward.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports, per The Metro, that there’s a significant gap in valuation between Milan and Chelsea.
While Milan are holding out for around £25 million, Chelsea are only prepared to offer approximately £8.4 million – citing Maignan’s contract expiry next summer and the risk of him leaving for free.
“Milan consider Maignan one of the best goalkeepers in the world and don’t want to let him go for a cheap fee,” Romano explained. “Meanwhile, Chelsea believe he will not sign a new deal at Milan.”
He also noted that Chelsea have set a deadline of Monday, June 9 to get the deal over the line.
“Chelsea are not desperate for a goalkeeper, but if an elite option like Maignan is available, they’re ready to move – on their terms,” Romano added. “Right now, those terms don’t align with Milan’s expectations.”
Maignan has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at AC Milan, winning Serie A and the Supercoppa Italiana, and earning the Serie A Best Goalkeeper award in 2022. Prior to that, he was instrumental in Lille’s shock Ligue 1 title win in 2021.
Most recently, he was also named in the Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament.
From a Chelsea perspective, it’s clear the 29-year-old brings the pedigree, presence, and experience needed to anchor a new era between the posts at Stamford Bridge.
Given his calibre, many feel the club would be wise to stretch their budget to bring him in – even if it means paying slightly more than they’d hoped.