Chelsea have made a formal approach to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, as the club continues to overhaul its squad under manager Enzo Maresca. With a long-term replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga and Édouard Mendy still unresolved, the Blues have turned their attention to Maignan, widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe.
Maignan, 29, has been a standout performer for AC Milan since his move from Lille in 2021, where he helped the Italian giants to their first Serie A title in over a decade during the 2021–22 season. Known for his sharp reflexes, commanding presence, and elite distribution, Maignan has established himself as not only Milan’s undisputed No.1 but also the starting goalkeeper for the French national team, ahead of names like Alphonse Areola and Brice Samba.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Chelsea’s interest in Maignan is serious. The London club has initiated early discussions with both the player’s representatives and AC Milan, signaling intent to make a bid should the Italian side be open to a sale. Milan, for their part, are reluctant to lose one of their key players, but a sufficiently high offer—reportedly in excess of £60 million—could persuade them to reconsider.
Chelsea’s current goalkeeping situation remains unsettled. Since Mendy’s departure to Saudi Arabia and Kepa’s inconsistent performances and loan to Real Madrid, the Blues have been searching for a long-term solution in goal. Last summer’s signing of Robert Sánchez from Brighton provided some stability, but his performances have been patchy, and injuries have further complicated his integration into the starting XI.
Bringing in Maignan would mark a significant upgrade and a clear statement of intent. New manager Enzo Maresca, who was recently appointed following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure, is known for his tactical emphasis on playing out from the back, and Maignan’s comfort with the ball at his feet aligns perfectly with that vision. His ability to initiate attacks and make precise passes under pressure makes him an ideal fit for Maresca’s philosophy.
Maignan is under contract with Milan until 2026, and the Italian side are not under immediate financial pressure to sell. However, Milan’s transfer strategy in recent years has shown a willingness to part with top players if the price is right, as seen in the sales of Sandro Tonali and Lucas Paquetá. Chelsea’s financial muscle—combined with their willingness to invest heavily in young, high-potential players—means a deal is not out of the question.
In addition to the financial aspect, Chelsea are believed to be presenting Maignan with a sporting project focused on returning to the Champions League and challenging for major titles. While the club finished mid-table last season, their young and talented squad remains one of the most promising in the Premier League. The presence of players like Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer, and Moisés Caicedo adds to the club’s long-term appeal.
Still, convincing Maignan to leave Milan won’t be straightforward. The Frenchman is a key part of the Rossoneri’s leadership group, enjoys strong backing from the fans, and plays regularly in European competitions. With the 2024 UEFA Euro tournament approaching, Maignan may also be cautious about making a disruptive move at this stage of his career.
For Chelsea, the pursuit of Maignan reflects a broader strategy to build a team capable of consistent top-four finishes and eventual title contention. The club has already begun making moves in the summer transfer window, with plans to streamline the squad and reinforce key positions. Alongside a new goalkeeper, Chelsea are also targeting a center forward, a central defender, and potentially a wide player to support Palmer and Sterling.
Should Chelsea succeed in landing Maignan, it would represent one of the biggest goalkeeper transfers in Premier League history and a major coup for the Maresca era. The Frenchman’s blend of experience, skill, and winning mentality could be exactly what Chelsea need to stabilize the back line and mount a serious challenge both domestically and in Europe.
As talks progress, all eyes will be on Stamford Bridge to see whether Chelsea’s ambitious move for Maignan materializes—and what it might mean for the rest of their summer business.
