As Theo Hernandez and Mike Maignan are both looking to move on from AC Milan this summer, the latter’s reported move to Chelsea risks setting a dangerous precedent.
It’s been a hectic start to the summer for Milan, with the appointments of Igli Tare and Max Allegri followed up by a wave of rumours. Tijjani Reijnders has been sold to Man City, as only the official statement is missing, and now it seems two other stars could leave as Milan.
Allegri had expressed a desire to keep Maignan in the squad but as a result of the contract situation, Chelsea have accelerated their interest in the goalkeeper. A move appears likely and could take place in the coming days, given the deadline on Tuesday of the mini-transfer window.
A slippery slope could await Milan
After initially slapping a price tag of around €30m on Maignan, it’s been reported by Gianluca Di Marzio that Milan could settle for around €24m. Despite the contract situation, this would be a disappointing figure for such a good player, especially if it ends up closer to €20m.
Another important thing to realise is that it coulkd have a domino effect on the outgoing mercato. Hernandez has made it clear that he would like to leave the club this summer, ready to test himself elsehwere, and is currently waiting for offers in Europe.
Mike Maignan and Theo Hernandez France
During a meeting recently, Milan and the player’s agent Manuel Garcia Quilon agreed that an offer of €30m would be needed for the Rossoneri to accept a summer move. However, with Maignan potentially leaving for less, Hernandez will suddenly have an argument to use.
If the goalkeeper can leave for around €20m, why can’t it be the same for the left-back? There’s not much of an age difference between the two either as, although Maignan is two years older, goalkeepers tend to have longer careers.
Clearly, Milan will have to be very careful in their evaluations of Maignan. Most fans probably expected the duo to leave this summer, truth be told, but to do so for such a low total amount would be incredibly disappointing.