Chelsea contact AC Milan for Mike Maignan but Serie A club warded off the interest
Chelsea approached AC Milan for Mike Maignan, but the club asserted that the French goalkeeper is not for sale.
According to the French publication L’Equipe, (h/t Metro) Chelsea contacted France International, who might leave the club after Paolo Maldini was fired as the club’s technical director.
Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy have both failed to cement their status as the club’s undisputed No. 1. As a result, their futures in SW6 seem uncertain ahead of the summer transfer window.
Mauricio Pochettino, the club’s head coach, has pleaded with them to bring in a shot-stopper as well as a striker and a midfielder. Goalkeeper Andre Onana of Inter, a rival of Milan, is also a target for Chelsea, and it is believed that a personal agreement has been reached with him.
What next for Chelsea?
Although Inter rejected their offer for Cameroon, there is still a chance that they will recruit the goalie if the Blues come up with a new bid. Maignan also had a good run while Milan advanced to the semifinals of the Champions League before losing to rivals Inter.
Chelsea, who had a horrific season on all fronts and finish 12th in the league, have officially named Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach for the upcoming season.
Maignan is another top goalkeeper this season, and he can be a backup signing if we fail to sign Onana. Given the firing of Maldini, the 27-year-old could look for a move as Milan players had a good relationship with the former defender.
Hopefully, that somehow works in our favour. It is important for us to nail down the goalkeeper and the No. 9 position under Pochettino. He was used to that at Tottenham Hotspur (!) with Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris – although their personnel in other areas weren’t always world class.
More Chelsea News:
- Real Madrid have withdrawn from signing Chelsea star Kai Havertz
- Brighton Hove & Albion weighing offering another bid to sign Chelsea starlet Levi Colwill
- Chelsea target Neymar is willing to play on low wages, offers himself to Barcelona
Chelsea would be wise to pursue multiple targets. Milan may have turned down the bid right now but there is always a chance that they can accept the bid if we offer something they appreciate. It’s on us to explore all fronts and make an offer that pleases the other club – be it Milan for Maignan or Inter for Onana.