Chelsea appeared close to signing Mike Maignan last summer. A move fell through at the advanced stages but it could be back on track again.
The goalkeeper appeared keen on a move to Stamford Bridge in 2025. That is when Milan hired Max Allegri as their manager and brought in goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi with him.
This convinced the Frenchman into rejecting Chelsea and taking a leadership role at the Rossoneri. SportWitness covered this extensively, as the London club had agreed personal terms with the player.
His season was full of ups and downs and ended with the massive disappointment of a fifth-place finish in the Serie A.
This has led to Allegri’s exit and now, things can change for Maignan.
Filippi and Allegri gone
Quotidiano Sportivo note that Maignan stayed at Milan because of Allegri. That is also why he signed a renewal, with his contract now running out in the summer of 2031.
Now, both Allegri and Filippi have departed. This can make sure that Maignan also actively seeks an exit, even if he has a long-term deal at the San Siro.
To make it worse, Milan’s failure to qualify for the Champions League will attract suitors. Chelsea ‘could come knocking again’ and they remain interested in his signature.
Corriere dello Sport go down the same route.
They feel Maignan can now have ambitions of playing in the Champions League. This can lead to him actively seeking a transfer, with Filippi’s exit seen as particularly troublesome to the Frenchman.
Blues right to pursue move
Chelsea desperately need a more reliable keeper than Robert Sanchez. Even if Maignan is now 30, he will be an upgrade.
It suggests he is clearly someone who has been well-researched at Stamford Bridge. They have probably assessed all of his strengths and weaknesses, which have remained consistant over recent seasons.
That is why a move should be actively pursued, especially if Maignan pushes for a transfer.