Chelsea have held positive talks over a deal for the Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who could be available for about €30m (£25m) because he has only one year on his contract.
The Premier League club, who have paid a £5m penalty clause after opting against meeting a £25m obligation to sign the Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, have made checks on Maignan after being presented with an opportunity to make a significant upgrade on their options in goal.
It is understood there is a growing chance that Maignan, France’s No 1, will leave Milan this summer. Chelsea are yet to make an offer for the 29-year-old and are exploring the conditions of a deal.
Signing a player of Maignan’s experience would represent a notable diversion from Chelsea’s policy of targeting the best young players in the world. But there is a sense they would be foolish not to look into buying a player of the his class. Maignan, who turns 30 next month, would be the oldest player in Chelsea’s squad.
It is anticipated that his arrival would prompt Chelsea to sell at least one of their goalkeepers. They are open to offers for Robert Sánchez, who was Enzo Maresca’s No 1 last season, and Djordje Petrovic after the Serbian’s loan at Strasbourg. Filip Jörgensen competed with Sánchez for a starting spot after joining from Villarreal last summer. Chelsea are excited about Mike Penders after the 19-year-old Belgian’s arrival from Genk. Kepa Arrizabalaga, who spent last season on loan at Bournemouth, is still on Chelsea’s books and is expected to move on again.
Chelsea have also made an inquiry for the Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. However it is understood firmer interest for the 22-year-old is coming from Newcastle, who are set to miss out on Espanyol’s Joan García to Barcelona.
Chelsea are close to announcing the £30m signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich after finalising personal terms with the striker, and decided against signing Sancho on a permanent basis because of misgivings over his consistency. They are weighing up a bid for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens as they look to sign before the Club World Cup a right-footed winger capable of playing on the left, .
Enzo Maresca’s system relies on wide players. Sancho had an opportunity to press his case and his talent has flickered at times. He contributed to Chelsea qualifying for the Champions League and scored when they beat Real Betis in the Conference League final last week.
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Yet Sancho, who struggled after joining Manchester United from Dortmund in 2021, was unable to hold down a regular starting place and experienced a long dip in form after Christmas. Chelsea think Sancho is talented and have been impressed with his attitude but fear he is not consistent enough. They could not strike an agreement for the former Dortmund to sign on a lower salary in line with the club’s wage policy.
Returning to United leaves Sancho, who has a year on his contract, in an awkward position. He cut an unhappy figure after moving to Old Trafford four years ago and joined Dortmund on loan after clashing with Erik ten Hag. Sancho had joined Chelsea by the time United fired Ten Hag and hired Ruben Amorim last November. It remains to be seen whether Amorim would want to look at Sancho in pre-season. United are looking to refresh their squad and sell unwanted players after missing out on European qualification.