New Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior was in attendance as his side lost at Fulham on Wednesday.placeholder image
New Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior was in attendance as his side lost at Fulham on Wednesday. | Getty Images
Chelsea might be set to lose out on a transfer target according to reports from Italy
Liam Rosenior is set to begin his role as Chelsea head coach on Thursday, following his appointment to replace Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge.
He could only watch from the sidelines, however, as his troops lost 3-2 in a west London derby at Fulham on Wednesday, Harry Wilson continuing his outstanding form to score a late winner and sink the ten-man Blues, who had seen Marc Cucurella sent off in the first half.
Mike Maignan closes in on new AC Milan contract
According to reports by Sky Sport Italy’s Gianluca Di Marzio, AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan is ‘very close’ to signing a new contract until 2031 in a move which would put to bed any lingering Chelsea hopes of a free agent swoop ahead of this summer.
The 30-year-old sees his current deal run out in June and would have been able to negotiate with clubs outside Italy for a pre-contract agreement from this month, but the France international is instead ‘on the verge’ of sealing a new deal with the Rossoneri worth approximately €5.7 million per season net.
But reporting from Di Marzio continues that Milan ‘have never been so close to Maignan’s renewal’, with a final agreement expected in the coming days which would see the shot-stopper given the same wages as Rafael Leao at the San Siro. Chelsea may, therefore, find themselves disappointed.
Chelsea blow but AC Milan set to keep ‘important’ star
Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri told reporters: “As for Mike [Maignan], the management is working for the future of Milan. There are many great players and they are working to have an important future: it is important that we arrive in the top four spots.”
The Italian previously reiterated the goalkeeper’s importance back in November.
"Mike has always been among the strongest goalkeepers around," he said ahead of Milan's clash with Lazio. "I'm not surprised by his performance [against Inter]. I'm happy, I see him calm, and he's confirming his qualities on the pitch. From a contractual point of view, the club is working to give this team a future and stability."
There is little doubt that Maignan could have been a strong player for Chelsea had he arrived at Stamford Bridge, but the performances of Robert Sanchez have seen improvement this season and the Spaniard may ultimately be trusted as the goalkeeper to take the Blues forward. With a new head coach arriving at the helm, the Chelsea squad will have the opportunity to impress once again.
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