Chelsea are considering trying to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan on a free transfer next year according to reports.
The Blues failed to agree a deal for Maignan before Tuesday’s 7pm deadline for the Club World Cup despite being locked in negotiations.
Milan valued the 29-year-old at £20m, but Chelsea weren’t prepared to pay more than £12.6m and therefore passed up on the opportunity to sign a top class goalkeeper.
Chelsea could try and sign Mike Maignan on a free
It wasn’t expected Chelsea would sign a new goalkeeper, but when the opportunity arose to bring Maignan in there was a lot of excitement from supporters.
Given how lavishly Chelsea have spent over the past few years the idea the club would walk away from a deal for a top player in a vital position over a few million pounds is baffling.
Mike Maignan in action for AC Milan.
Chelsea failed to agree a deal for Maignan in time for the Club World Cup. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
It’s believed the Blues have ended their interest in Maignan for this summer, but given the France international only has 12 month left on his deal, they could look to revisit the situation in January.
Italian journalist Daniele Longo has reported he feels the Blues could try and sign the Frenchman on a free next year.
He took to X.com and said:
“From what has emerged today, Chelsea are considering taking Maignan next year on a free transfer.”
The Blues run the risk of facing competition from multiple clubs as more suitors will certainly come to the table for a free transfer.
Djordje Petrovic set to be sold
Having missed out on Maignan, many thought Djordje Petrovic would probably be number one next season and given the chance to impress at the Club World Cup.
However, it was reported on Tuesday the Serb had been left out of Chelsea’s squad for the competition much to the surprise of many.
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Petrovic is now set to be sold and there’s a number of clubs in Europe who are interested in the Serb following his excellent season at Strasbourg.
As things stands Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen and Mike Penders will have the chance to impress in America before a final decision is taken.