Chelsea have abandoned their pursuit of AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
The Premier League club walked away after failing to meet Milan’s valuation, according to transfer expert [Fabrizio Romano](https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1932382189750210781). The deal collapsed ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, starting June 18.
Chelsea were offered the 29-year-old France international, valuing him between €10 million (£8.46 million) and €15 million (£12.7 million). AC Milan, however, demanded around €25 million for their captain, who has one year left on his contract.
No official bid was made, as Chelsea refused to pay what they called a “Club World Cup tax.”
Maignan, who won Ligue 1 with Lille in 2021 and Serie A with Milan in 2022, was keen to join Chelsea. He informed Milan he would not renew his deal, expiring in June 2026, per [Sky Sports News’ Kaveh Solhekol](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13381502/mike-maignan-transfer-news-chelsea-walk-away-from-deal-to-sign-ac-milan-goalkeeper).
The goalkeeper, named in Euro 2024’s team of the tournament, has 32 caps for France.
Chelsea’s goalkeeping department already includes Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Djordje Petrovic, Mike Penders and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The club had not planned to recruit a goalkeeper until Maignan was offered. Romano confirmed Chelsea’s trust in their current options, ruling out a summer signing in this position.
AC Milan’s stance was influenced by manager Massimiliano Allegri’s desire to retain Maignan.
With tensions rising, the Rossoneri may attempt to reopen contract talks, though relations remain strained. The club’s next steps with their star goalkeeper are unclear following the failed transfer.
Chelsea also face challenges in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens. It has also been reported that a deal is unlikely before the Club World Cup, with Dortmund rejecting Chelsea’s low offer and demanding €60 million – €70 million (£51 million – £58.80 million).
Negotiations are ongoing later this summer, but time is running out for the first transfer window.
The collapsed Maignan deal marks a shift for Chelsea’s transfer strategy. The club will rely on their existing goalkeepers for the upcoming Club World Cup.
Maignan’s future at Milan remains uncertain.