Mike Maignan was keen on joining Chelsea this summer, but AC Milan and the Conference League winners could not agree on a transfer fee.
It was reported that Maignan even threatened Milan, warning the Italian giants that he would run down his contract if they did not let him move to Chelsea.
The goalkeeper has entered the final year of his existing deal, and the chances of him signing an extension now seem very unlikely.
However, a switch to Stamford Bridge looks to be firmly off the table. And if it is not, then interest in another shot-stopper could be the thing that eventually ends Maignan‘s dream of moving to Chelsea.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen in action during Germany v France - UEFA Nations League 2025 Third Place Match
Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images
Chelsea now targeting Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Earlier this month, it was claimed that Chelsea had considered signing Marc-Andre ter Stegen from Barcelona before eventually turning their attention to Maignan.
After failing to land the Frenchman, it now looks like Ter Stegen could become a serious target for the Blues.
Ter Stegen is said to be on Chelsea’s shortlist as they still weigh up bringing a new goalkeeper to west London.
Success in landing Ter Stegen would all but end Maignan’s chances of joining Chelsea, which already look extremely slim.
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
While Chelsea fans may have wanted Maignan to come in and replace Robert Sanchez, in Ter Stegen, the Blues could be getting a better goalkeeper or at least a better fit for their team.
Goalkeeper of France Mike Maignan during the penalty shootout of the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between France and Croatia
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s passing more accurate than Mike Maignan’s
Maignan is actually quite a suitable goalkeeper for Enzo Maresca and the way the Chelsea boss likes to play. His passing stats are very impressive.
That being said, Ter Stegen has trumped the 29-year-old in that area over the last few seasons. For example, during the 2024/25 campaign, the German registered a pass completion rate of 92.8%, while Maignan’s was 86.5%. Both are high, but Ter Stegen is truly special with the ball at his feet.
Marc Andre ter Stegen Pass completion (short) Pass completion (long) Pass completion (all including medium)
2024/25 100% 77.8% 92.8%
2023/24 99.5% 73% 89.5%
2022/23 98.3% 64.2% 84.5%
Via Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s FBref page
Mike Maignan Pass completion (short) Pass completion (long) Pass completion (all including medium)
2024/25 98.2% 61.8% 86.2%
2023/24 99.5% 58.6% 84.1%
2022/23 99.3% 58.9% 82.8%
Via Mike Maignan’s FBref page
Ter Stegen is in his 30s now, which is one downside, but goalkeepers have longer careers than outfield players. All in all, if Chelsea end up signing Ter Stegen, missing out on Maignan could end up proving to be a bit of a blessing in disguise.