Chelsea players greet fans after on of rheir matches          Image credit: Chelsea fc

Chelsea are showing interest in signing AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan this summer but are reportedly unwilling to meet the Italian club’s £25 million asking price.

With Champions League football returning to Stamford Bridge next season following a fourth-place Premier League finish, the Blues are in the market for a top-class goalkeeper to compete for the number one shirt under new manager Enzo Maresca. France international Maignan, who has one year remaining on his contract with Milan, is among their key targets.

Despite his availability for around £25 million, Chelsea consider that figure too high and are exploring the possibility of negotiating a lower fee. Reports suggest any potential deal might include performance-based add-ons to bridge the gap in valuation.

Maignan, who turns 30 next month, is said to be open to a move to West London, where he would join a competitive goalkeeping unit that includes Filip Jorgensen and Robert Sánchez. The Frenchman joined AC Milan from Lille in 2021 and has made 163 appearances in all competitions, playing a vital role in the club's domestic and European campaigns.

Journalist Ben Jacobs recently commented on the transfer saga, noting that Chelsea still see Maignan as an opportunistic option rather than a primary target. He emphasized that while the goalkeeper would be a valuable asset—especially with the Club World Cup fast approaching—the club remains content with its current options and still prioritizes the signing of a left winger.

Jacobs added:

“The situation with Mike Maignan is unchanged. Milan are asking for £20–25 million. Chelsea might offer less, with the potential for bonuses to close the gap. While he’s a potential signing, Chelsea will assess all their goalkeepers during the Club World Cup and pre-season. Maignan is open to joining, but Milan must decide whether to risk losing him for free or lower their demands.”

If Chelsea proceed with the signing, they’re expected to part ways with at least one current goalkeeper. Djordje Petrovic is drawing interest from West Ham United, and Kepa Arrizabalaga—back from his loan at Bournemouth—is also expected to leave the club this summer.

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