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AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan has told the club to sanction his transfer to Chelsea or he will leave as a free agent when his contract expires in June 2026, according to L'Equipe (via GOAL). The 29-year-old has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Blues are looking for a goalkeeper. Enzo Maresca is eager to upgrade the position, as Robert Sanchez (10 clean sheets in 34 games) was unconvincing in the 2024-25 season. The Spanish shot-stopper made multiple errors that led to goals, casting doubts over his reliability.
Chelsea have now identified Maignan as their primary target and would hope to sign the Frenchman for a significantly reduced fee, with just one year left on his contract. The west London outfit have reportedly had their first bid of £12.6 million for Maignan rejected by AC Milan. The Italian side value the France international for about £25.2 million.
Maignan, who recorded 15 clean sheets and conceded 59 times in 53 matches last season, seems eager to leave the Rossoneri this summer. As per the abovementioned source, the AC Milan star has told the club to cash in on him now or risk losing him for nothing next summer.
Despite the initial setback, Chelsea are keen on roping in Maignan. Negotiations are reportedly ongoing between the two clubs. The Blues are hopeful that a deal will be finalized ahead of the Club World Cup transfer window deadline — Tuesday (June 10).
Maresca reportedly wants Maignan in his squad for the tournament in the United States. Chelsea will kick off their Club World Cup campaign on June 16 against Los Angeles FC.
Chelsea's record at the FIFA Club World Cup
The Blues enter the rebranded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup as one of the two Premier League's representatives, the other being Manchester City. It will be Chelsea's third appearance at the tournament.
They made their debut in the intercontinental competition in 2012 after winning their first-ever Champions League title. However, the Blues lost 1-0 to Brazilian side Corinthians in the final.
Following another Champions League triumph in 2021, the west London side had another shot at the Club World Cup. This time, they edged past the Brazilian side Palmerias in the final, winning 2-1 after extra time.
Fresh from their UEFA Conference League win, Enzo Maresca's side will be hoping to give a good showing in the 2025 edition. They have been grouped alongside Los Angeles FC, Flamengo, and Espérance de Tunis.
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Okenna Okere
Okenna is an football journalist at Sportskeeda. He has previously worked as a radio presenter at Green FM Umuahia for 4 years, and as a writer at Opera News Hub Nigeria for around 2 years. As a successful modus operandi, he strictly sticks to publishing guidelines, double checks facts while writing, pays very close attention to details and prides himself on picking complex topics to write on.
A Chelsea fan, Okenna had his first tryst with Blues in 2006, after fellow countryman John Mikel Obi joined the west London club. He was immediately drawn to the brilliance of players like Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, John Terry and Didier Drogba.
Okenna is a huge fan of Lionel Messi for his exceptional talent. He also admires Jose Mourinho for his achievements with various clubs which proves he's a tactical and disciplined manger as well as a serial winner.
Some of Okenna’s prospective career landmarks include working as an international journalist and covering a FIFA World Cup game live from the stadium. When not writing, he loves watching, movies and reading books.
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Edited by Parag Jain