Chelsea have reportedly made contact with AC Milan to enquire about the possibility of signing Mike Maignan, but have been informed that he is not for sale.
The Blues are looking to secure a new goalkeeper this summer, with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy expected to leave if good offers are received.
Mendy had a superb first season with Chelsea, helping them win the Champions League, but lost his place this campaign to Kepa – though the Spaniard underwhelmed and committed some errors.
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Mauricio Pochettino believes a new goalkeeper is needed and, alongside a new midfielder and striker, sees the position as one of three major areas that must be addressed this summer window.
Chelsea have been heavily linked with Inter’s Andre Onana as well as Brentford’s David Raya, but now a new shot-stopper has emerged.
According to French newspaper L’Equipe, the London side have initiated contact with Milan over Maignan, who enjoyed a good second half of the season after recovering from injury.
There is a feeling that he might be disillusioned at San Siro after the sacking of Paolo Maldini, with the keeper posting two photos of himself alongside the Milan legend on Instagram with the words ‘Sempre Milan’ (Always Milan) which was accompanied by a question mark and ‘eyes’ emoji.
Maldini had been in discussions with Maignan’s agents over a new contract for the 27-year-old, but that is now said to have been postponed following the Italian’s exit.
But, while Maignan may be disappointed by the nature of Maldini’s departure, L’Equipe’s report claims Milan’s hierarchy have no intention of allowing him leave and will reject Chelsea’s interest.
According to Fabrizio Romano, it is ‘absolutely impossible’ for AC Milan to even consider selling Maignan for a rumoured €45m (£38.5m) fee, and it would take an offer in excess of €60m (£51m) for them to consider a sale.
Milan only signed him for £13m when he joined from Lille in 2021 and he has performed superbly for the club ever since.
Both an outstanding shot-stopper and excellent with his feet, the Frenchman helped Milan win the Scudetto in his first campaign with the club and was exceptional en route to the Champions League semi-final this year.
A move for Inter’s Onana seems to be a more realistic target for Chelsea, though any deal will have to wait until after Saturday’s Champions League final.
