Chelsea have contacted AC Milan about signing French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, according to reports.
Maignan, 29, has only one year left on his contract with the Italian club. With Milan missing out on European football next season, the club may be forced to sell him this summer instead of losing him for free when his contract ends in 2026.
Although Maignan was expected to extend his contract earlier this year, Milan’s financial situation has changed, making a transfer more likely.
Chelsea had planned to assess their goalkeeping options after the Club World Cup, giving current keepers Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Djordje Petrovic, and academy player Mike Penders a chance to prove themselves.
However, Maignan’s potential availability has made Chelsea consider moving quickly. If the deal goes through, he would likely become the club’s new first-choice goalkeeper, which could push Sanchez down the pecking order.
Petrovic, who impressed on loan at Chelsea’s partner club Strasbourg and was named their Player of the Season, is hoping to challenge for the number one spot. He has returned to Chelsea with a better salary and a new contract that includes a release clause.
Jorgensen, who joined Chelsea last summer for £20 million, is expected to stay at the club as a squad member.
Aside from Maignan, Chelsea are also keeping an eye on Burnley’s young English goalkeeper James Trafford. But Newcastle United are currently leading the race to sign him.
