Chelsea will have competition from Juventus in the race to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan next summer, according to reports in Italy.
The France international is expected to leave the San Siro when his contract expires at the end of the season.
After the Blues tried and failed to secure Maignan’s signature earlier this year, they have been tipped to revive their interest if he does become a free agent.
However, Italian newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport claims that Juve could enter the battle for the shot-stopper.
Chelsea do have an advantage over their rivals
Enzo Maresca’s side are able to tie down Maignan to a pre-contract agreement as soon as January 1st. The Bosman ruling allows foreign clubs to secure free transfer deals six months in advance.
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That rule is not in place for other domestic teams, who have to wait until the contract expires with their current club to begin discussions with the player in question.
It means Chelsea will get a massive head start over Juventus in negotiations. Of course, that doesn’t rule out other non-Italian teams from getting involved. Gazzetta claim that Bayern Munich have also been credited with an interest in Maignan.
Will an offer for Maignan be made?
Sources close to the club have been briefing that the Blues are unlikely to sign another keeper, either in January or at the end of the campaign. The recruitment department is reportedly happy with Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen and Mike Penders.
How accurate those claims are, it is up for debate. Chelsea were willing to pay around £13m for Maignan last summer before withdrawing from talks, so it would be a big surprise if they do opt against signing him when he is available on a free.
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