According to a report from Football.London, Chelsea are considering the possibility of bringing Mike Maignan back into consideration as a long-term goalkeeper option. During the summer, the Blues had expressed interest in him, but his price tag was deemed too high, leading them to opt for the more affordable goalkeeping pair of Djorde Petrovic and Robert Sanchez instead.
Now, it appears that both Chelsea and Bayern Munich are keeping a close watch on Maignan. The player’s potential acquisition could come at a cost of up to £80 million which the West London club might have to contemplate.
Maignan’s Impressive Start To Serie A This Season
Mike Maignan has had a solid start to the 2023/24 season for AC Milan, keeping clean sheets in over half of his appearances. He has also been impressive for the French national team, keeping a clean sheet in both of his appearances so far.
Maignan’s performances have been particularly impressive in light of Milan’s defensive struggles. The Rossoneri have conceded seven goals in six Serie A matches so far, but Maignan has made some important saves to keep Milan in games (stats via whoscored).
The France international’s contract with the Rossoneri lasts until the summer of 2026. Hence, it won’t be easy for the Blues to lure him to Stamford Bridge next summer.
Should Pochettino Bring Him To Chelsea?
Maignan stands out as a commanding goalkeeper, boasting a tall and robust physique, quick reflexes, and an exceptional ability to judge the trajectory of the ball. Moreover, he excels in distributing the ball accurately, particularly with precise long passes, facilitating Milan in launching attacks from deep positions.
What sets Maignan apart is his unwavering focus and composure under pressure, a trait that leads to rare errors on his part. At just 28 years of age, he still holds the promise of becoming one of the world’s finest goalkeepers. He has already demonstrated his capabilities at the highest levels and aims to further refine his skills in the years to come.
His arrival at Stamford Bridge would bring in well deserved competition for Robert Sanchez and he fits perfectly as a long term option for the Blues. Nevertheless, the substantial transfer fee requested by AC Milan demands careful financial consideration from Chelsea if they wish to secure his services at the end of this season.