Chelsea are now expecting to sign Mike Maignan from AC Milan before Tuesday’s Club World Cup deadline, TBR Football can reveal.
Enzo Maresca’s side have already signed Liam Delap from Ipswich Town ahead of the tournament, and Chelsea are pushing to recruit Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund as well.
The Blues are keen to conduct their business early and as part of their recruitment drive, they have been on the hunt for a new goalkeeper.
And with that, AC Milan’s Mike Maignan has emerged as a genuine option, a France international who has impressed the club’s recruitment team.
Despite being 29-years-old, Chelsea believe that Maignan has at least another five years of top level football ahead of him, if not more — his age is not being seen as an issue.
Chelsea expect to sign Mike Maignan in time for Club World Cup
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that whilst a fee is yet to be agreed between the two clubs, an agreement is expected to be found close to the £20m mark.
Maignan currently has 12 months left on his deal and Chelsea have offered less than £15m for the goalkeeper given his contract situation.
Photo by Elianton/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images
Photo by Elianton/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images
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However, it’s understood that Milan do want £20m for their captain, who has amassed 163 appearances for the club.
Maignan is understood to have agreed personal terms with Chelsea earlier this week and the French star has made it clear that he wants to leave for London, a wish that is set to be granted.
Providing more insight, Bailey explained: “I am told by sources with knowledge of the situation at Chelsea, that they hope and believe that Maignan and Gittens will be part of their Club World Cup squad, adding to Delap’s arrival.
“It may only be the start of June, but I am told that Maresca is hugely excited by what Chelsea have already done.
“Add to the fact that Estevao and Andrey Santos are coming in, Chelsea’s squad is already looking quite a bit different ahead of pre-season.
“And Chelsea are not finished – at least one new defender, potentially two, will be coming in.”
Chelsea are ready to sell Robert Sanchez
Maresca previously made it clear to Chelsea that he was not convinced by the club’s current goalkeeping options.
And as a result, Chelsea have told current number one Robert Sanchez that he can leave.
Chelsea signed Sanchez from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023, a keeper who has struggled to find any kind of consistency at Stamford Bridge.
And in addition to Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen has also failed to impress since his own move to Stamford Bridge from Villarreal.
The club don’t see Djordje Petrovic or young Belgian Mike Penders as being able to take over the number one jersey any time soon, stressing their need to bring in a new recruit.
And by the time the Club World Cup starts, Chelsea do hope to have Maignan in place, ready to start.