Chelsea have reportedly taken a major step in their pursuit of AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan by submitting an official bid, aiming to finalize the deal before the early summer transfer window shuts on June 10.
The Blues have already completed the signing of striker Liam Delap in a £30million move, bolstering their attacking options.
Delap is expected to be part of the squad traveling to the United States for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
But new manager Enzo Maresca appears eager to continue strengthening the squad and has turned his attention to the goalkeeping department ahead of the tournament in the U.S.
With the early transfer window deadline looming on Tuesday, Chelsea are working against the clock to bring in more competition between the posts.
There remain concerns over Robert Sanchez’s reliability as a first-choice goalkeeper, and Maresca doesn’t seem fully convinced that Filip Jorgensen is ready to step up as the club’s number one.
Recent developments suggest that Chelsea have zeroed in on Mike Maignan, whose current deal with AC Milan expires next summer.
Despite having a contract extension on the table, Maignan has yet to commit, potentially keeping his options open.
While there had been a disparity in how both clubs valued the French international, Chelsea have now put in a formal offer in hopes of swaying Milan’s decision.
Renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano wrote on X, “EXCL: Chelsea submit bid for Mike Maignan worth €15m as final decision will be up to AC Milan.
“Chelsea want to get final answer on Maignan negotiations by the end of Club World Cup window on Tuesday.”
If Romano’s update holds true, Chelsea’s €15 million (approx. £12.6 million) bid reflects a middle ground from their previous estimate, although Milan are believed to value their shot-stopper in excess of £21 million.
While Chelsea await Milan’s response, there’s no immediate urgency, as they still have Sanchez and Jorgensen available for the Club World Cup.
Should the deal fail to materialize by Tuesday, the Blues may revisit negotiations later in the window.
In the long run, patience could benefit Chelsea. If Maignan continues to delay signing a new contract, Milan’s leverage in the transfer talks might diminish further.
