Maignan to Chelsea: Bargain deal moving fast after Maresca push

Chelsea‘s interest in AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan is a live situation that could develop quickly in the next hours and days.

Earlier on Tuesday, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano revealed that Chelsea have opened talks with the Frenchman to explore a potential summer transfer.

The Blues have a long-standing interest in Maignan and felt that now could be the right time to pounce as the goalkeeper has been stalling over a new contract with AC Milan.

His lack of a new deal has made the 29-year-old a ‘market opportunity’ that Chelsea feel is too good to pass up, despite his age profile seemingly not fitting their transfer strategy.

As Romano has now revealed in his latest video, Chelsea are willing to change things up because head coach Enzo Maresca is pushing for the signing of Maignan.

Maignan could be a bargain

Although generally happy with his goalkeeper options, the Italian head coach has made it clear to Chelsea’s recruitment hierarchy that he would prefer a ‘world-class’ player between the sticks.

According to Ben Jacobs, the whole situation is expected to move quickly – and Chelsea may have a bargain on their hands. The journalist states that the Frenchman could be available for as little as €30 million.

Maignan is said to be open to the move to Stamford Bridge, while Milan would have ideally preferred to keep him. However, their lack of European football has left them in a weak negotiating position, and they may also be forced to sell assets to raise funds.

Maignan could therefore be had on the cheap, but with that being said, it is worth noting that his stocks have diminished drastically in recent times.

The Frenchman is coming off a poor season and has seen his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) plummet to just €19.1m, a figure also in large part informed by his expiring contract. He previously peaked at €45.5m in 2021.

Talks with Maignan have been positive so far, and Chelsea are optimistic of striking a deal, especially with the Club World Cup and Champions League football to look forward to.

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