Chelsea have reportedly suffered a major blow ahead of participating at the Club World Cup.
After the Blues came from behind to win last month's Conference League final, Enzo Maresca waxed lyrical about the unity and character in his squad.
However, Chelsea will make the trip to the United States with several new faces in their squad with Mike Penders, Mamadou Sarr, Dario Essugo, Andrey Santos and Liam Delap all in line to be a part of the travelling group.
Ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline, much has been made of the West Londoners looking to finalise the acquisitions of AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, one of those moves has already fallen through ahead of the 7pm (BST) cut-off time.
AC Milan's Mike Maignan on May 24, 2025
Chelsea, AC Milan fail to agree Maignan fee
Romano says that Chelsea and AC Milan have been unable to reach a compromise over a fee for Maignan and a deal being finalised before the Club World Cup is no longer a possibility.
There had been suggestions that the relevant parties were moving closer to middle ground. Chelsea had allegedly showed a willingness to pay as much as £18m, closer to Milan's valuation which is somewhere between £20m and £25m.
With Maignan said to have expressed a desire to leave San Siro and not extend his contract past 2026, the feeling was that an agreement would ultimately be found.
Instead, Chelsea are not prepared to pay what Romano describes as "CWC" tax, a reference to clubs wanting new players in place for that tournament and selling teams being aware of the prize money that is on offer in the United States.
As it stands, it is unclear whether Chelsea will return to the negotiating table during or after the tournament, while Milan are theoretically left with an unhappy player on their hands.
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez in November 2024.
Do Chelsea really need another goalkeeper?
Chelsea already have Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Djordje Petrovic and Penders as potential number ones for 2025-26.
Petrovic seems likely to be sold after starring on loan at Strasbourg, while Penders may require a loan stint at a notable European club before being considered for Premier League action.
Nevertheless, Sanchez overcame constant criticism to impress for Chelsea during the run-in and deserves an opportunity in the Club World Cup.
Although Maignan has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world and would bring experience to a young dressing room, this deal always felt slightly unnecessary after the recent scenes in Nottingham and Wroclaw as Chelsea achieved Champions League qualification and lifted silverware.
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