Maresca wants a new goalkeeper this summerMaresca wants a new goalkeeper this summer
Maresca wants a new goalkeeper this summer | Getty Images
Chelsea are said to have made their move as they look to complete their second signing of the summer.
Chelsea have now reportedly submitted a bid as they look to get another deal done by the end of the early transfer window on June 10. The Blues have already signed Liam Delap on a £30million deal, adding much-needed depth to their front line, and Delap will travel with to the United States to compete at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Enzo Maresca is not done there, though, seemingly wanting to sign a new goalkeeper to take with him to the States. Chelsea are racing the early window deadline on Tuesday as they look to add competition between the sticks ahead of the competition.
With doubts over Robert Sanchez as a starter, Maresca looks to be pushing to land a new keeper, with Filip Jorgensen not deemed ready to be a number one at this stage. It has become obvious over the last week or so that Chelsea are concentrating their efforts on AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan, who is out of contract next summer.
Maignan has a contract offer from Milan but has not signed it, appearing keen to explore his options before doing so. There have been reports of a void in the valuation of Maignan between Chelsea and Milan, but it seems the Blues have now made their move to test Milan’s resolve.
Fabrizio Romano has posted on X: “EXCL: Chelsea submit bid for Mike Maignan worth €15m as final decision will be up to AC Milan. Chelsea want to get final answer on Maignan negotiations by the end of Club World Cup window on Tuesday.” If that report proves true, Chelsea’s £12.6million offer is a compromise from their initial valuation of the goalkeeper, but it was being reported that Milan value their goalkeeper beyond £21million.
Chelsea now face an anxious wait, although there is no real emergency to the situation. The Blues will have Sanchez and Jorgensen for the Club World Cup, and if needs be, they can circle back for Maignan at a later date. Ultimately, the Blues are better off playing the patient game and saving money, because if Maignan continues to hold out for his contract, Milan’s negotiating position is only going to get weaker.
Maresca on goalkeeping issues
Speaking during the season about Chelsea’s issues at goalkeeper, Maresca admitted to Match of the Day: "I am always concerned. Even when we were winning games, I was concerned. Now for sure.
"The problem with that, with goalkeepers, it is a delicate position and when they make a mistake, everyone can see."Unfortunately today, our goalkeeper made a mistake. This is a moment we need to support each other and try to stay strong." It must be added that Sanchez did improve in the last third or so of the season, but Maresca still doesn’t appear to be totally convinced.
The Blues have more depth than most at the goalkeeper position, also needing to offload Kepa Arrizabalaga, but it seems Maresca has decided the club still don’t have a number one good enough to compete for titles.
Continue Reading