UDINE, ITALY - JANUARY 20: Mike Maignan of AC Milan acknowledges the fans after the Serie A TIM match between Udinese Calcio and AC Milan at Dacia Arena on January 20, 2024 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Fabrizio Romano revealed on Tuesday Chelsea’s interest in AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan (29). However, the Italian journalist has now revealed the significant gap in the valuation of the Frenchman.
It had been expected that Chelsea would not sign a goalkeeper this summer. Whilst Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen failed to completely convince over the course of the last season, the tendency was for Enzo Maresca to continue to evaluate the options already at his disposal. Djordje Petrovic, who has excelled whilst on loan at RC Strasbourg Alsace, was another goalkeeper expected to vie for a place, with the upcoming FIFA World Cup seen as a kind of trial period for the Serbian.
But the Blues have now opted to make a move for a big-name goalkeeper. With talks ongoing, there was optimism that a deal could be done. However, there is a serious obstacle to be overcome. Chelsea value the goalkeeper, who has just one year left on his deal at AC Milan, at just €10m. The Serie A side value him at €30m. Chelsea are keen not to allow negotiations to drag on and will only wait until Monday to get the deal done.
France's defender #24 Ibrahima Konate attends a press conference during the UEFA Euro 2024 Football Championship at the Home Deluxe Arena Stadium in Paderborn, western Germany on June 29, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
France international centre-back Ibrahima Konaté (26) will face the media this Wednesday at Stuttgart, Germany, on the eve of Les Bleus‘ Nations League semi-final against Spain. Le Parisienreports that France manager Didier Deschamps will be accompanied by the Liverpool centre-back. Usually, the team captain is generally tasked to start the press conference the day before a France game. But the outlet understands it doesn’t mean Konaté will wear the skipper’s armband against La Roja. Real Madrid centre-forward Kylian Mbappé is expected to captain France tomorrow.
Still, as Le Parisien adds, Konaté is very comfortable and affable with France’s media. The Liverpool centre-back could also offer an update regarding negotiations over a contract renewal with Arne Slot’s Reds. As for Mbappé, The former PSG striker previously said he had no intention to monopolize France’s media space, adding that every France player should be able to express themselves.
Nevertheless in the absences of both William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano, Konaté is set to start against Spain as France’s right-sided centre-back. It remains to be seen which centre-back will accompany him at the back. It should be one of Sevilla’s Loïc Badé, Atlético de Madrid’s Clément Lenglet or PSG’s Lucas Hernandez.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval