Despite the regular media briefings that they’re happy with the options they already have, Chelsea are being constantly linked with elite goalkeepers ahead of the summer transfer window, and we can understand why.
Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen and Djordje Petrovic have all had a run as number one across the last two seasons, and none of them have made the job their own. Young Mike Penders is highly rated, but is only just now starting to make his way in the senior game.
The latest name to come up in connection with the Blues is one we’ve heard countless times over the years, pretty much since it became clear that Kepa Arrizabalaga was a bust. Mike Maignan has had a great career at AC Milan, but with the Italian club going backwards and the France number 1 now 29 years old, there’s a sense he’s ready for a big move to a top contender.
Chelsea constantly scouting potential cut price target for summer move
Teamtalk today claims that we – along with Aston Villa – are “strongly considering” moving for the stopper if he pushes for a move.
Their sources say we’ve been scouting Maignan for “over a year,” although the reality is we’ve probably got 5 years of reports on him at this point. We’ve been in “constant contact” with his entourage.
Previously considered too expensive, his team’s struggles to qualify for the Champions League could mean they end up having to sell some of their major asset in the summer – and Maignan would fetch a pretty penny.
Given how important having a top goalkeeper is, we still don’t rule out Chelsea breaking their youth model to secure a really elite option if one if on the market at a reasonable price. So despite all the briefings, we think there could yet be life in this rumour yet.