Chelsea hangs heavy with anticipation as they earnestly try to welcome Mike Maignan into the fold before the Club World Cup. The Blues really see this experienced shot-stopper as the ultimate answer for a position that’s lacked stability in recent seasons.
Chelsea’s attention has tightened on improving their defence as Enzo Maresca readies the team for international competition; that starts directly with the man between the posts. Signed last summer, Robert Sanchez just hasn’t claimed his space, causing the coaching staff to wonder about his long-term suitability. Chelsea really feels that Maignan’s presence would bring assertiveness and steadiness into the squad.
🚨🔵 EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea approach AC Milan to sign Mike Maignan as new goalkeeper.
Mike Maignan has still not signed new contract at the club and Chelsea are now aware of the situation.
He’s always been high on Chelsea list with clubs in talks, decision up to Milan. pic.twitter.com/hrgd7xNpbH
The starting negotiations began with a €15 million offer, which AC Milan quickly turned down. Valuing Maignan at nearly €25 million, the Serie A team is not feeling any pressure to separate ways. Chelsea came back with a stronger offer of €21 million following very intense phone discussions.
🚨🌕 | AC Milan have rejected Chelsea’s first offer of less than €20M for Mike Maignan because it was considered too low.
Maignan is tempted by Chelsea, he is open to the transfer.
Chelsea are expected to submit a second offer between Monday and Tuesday.@86_longo 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/wCnwJnDxta
Although still somewhat short of Milan’s asking price, the updated proposal certainly represents Chelsea’s increasing need for action. That window is shrinking fast as they have to register new faces before the Club World Cup. Club officials are hopeful that Milan will soften their approach, particularly considering the goalie’s current contract conditions.
Though the French international is reported to have given an ultimatum, Maignan’s contract with Milan lasts until 2026. He’s just not interested in spending more time at San Siro and has informed the team he would want a move this summer. This forces Milan to weigh the financial risk of keeping a player who might finally go for nothing.
Though Maignan is still a very valuable member of Milan’s squad, the club is having to seriously assess their choices. Both financial and on-pitch hazards come from holding onto a player not ready to commit for the long haul. Milan’s timing might be perfect to approve the move and apply the funds elsewhere as Chelsea sweetened their offer.
Chelsea, conversely, sees this as a rare opportunity to include proven goalkeeper at a surprisingly fair price. 28-year-old Maignan has Champions League experience and consistently performed well in Serie A. His relaxed attitude, great shot-stopping skills, and inherent leadership characteristics match Chelsea’s requirements for stabilizing their backline exactly.
If the deal is concluded in time, Maignan is quite likely to join the starting lineup. Based on any more changes to the team, his arrival would probably demote Robert Sanchez to a backup role or even cause him to leave.
Adding Maignan onboard is an important component of the bigger reform under new coach Enzo Maresca. Chelsea views the goalkeeper role as a top priority even if they have already been connected with multiple forward players. Past efforts to bank on Sanchez and Kepa just did not offer the consistency needed to seriously fight for the championship.
Maignan’s possible signature would also send a strong message to the whole team that the club is really dedicated to competing at the top level once again. The French international has the experience and mental toughness needed to flourish under pressure. His presence might also greatly benefit the younger defenders in the squad by providing them with a consistent voice behind them.
Chelsea is hopeful as talks go on that Milan will finally accept their revised bid. Particularly with the Club World Cup coming up, they know that timing is everything. Undoubtedly slowing their preparations for the prestigious international tournament, not getting a top-level goalkeeper in time could certainly impede them.
Will Chelsea’s latest offer be enough to finally seal the deal for Maignan? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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