Chelsea make U-TURN on Enzo Maresca’s most important signing

Chelsea have reportedly decided to rekindle their interest in AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, despite previously ruling out a move for the France goalkeeper.

The 30-year-old was heavily linked with a transfer to Stamford Bridge ahead of the Club World Cup, however Chelsea saw several official offers knocked back by Milan and they ultimately decided against matching Maignan’s €30 million asking price.

Instead, the Blues opted to retain faith with Robert Sanchez, despite his inconsistent form since arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion, and Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol recently claimed that Chelsea are highly unlikely to sign a new goalkeeper in 2026.

Rather than bolstering their current options, Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen and Mike Penders (currently on loan at Strasbourg) are expected to compete for the number one shirt.

However, this claim has been disputed by Sky Sport journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who states that Maignan and Barcelona star Marc-Andre ter Stegen have been identified as Chelsea’s two goalkeeper targets for next year.

The west London giants have reportedly earmarked the goalkeeper position as a key area in need of improvement and they are eager to land an experienced option to provide stability at the back.

Landing Ter Stegen on loan during the January transfer window is reportedly an option for the reigning Club World Cup champions, while they will pursue a Bosman move for Maignan next summer if they are unable to finalise a deal with Barcelona.

Chelsea eye most important signing of Enzo Maresca era

Although Sanchez has produced several eye-catching performances so far in 2025, it’s clear that signing a more reliable goalkeeper is one of the most crucial steps Chelsea must take if they want to challenge for major honours on a consistent basis.

Centre-back has also been identified as a weak area, but Josh Acheampong, Levi Colwill and Jorrel Hato are three of the most promising young defenders in world football and Chelsea are already well-stocked for future years.

It’s a different case entirely when it comes to the goalkeeper position, although the Chelsea hierarchy are optimistic that Penders will develop into one of the best shot-stoppers in Europe over the next few seasons.

However, signing a world class goalkeeper who is proven at the top level would undoubtedly help elevate Chelsea’s ceiling as a team tremendously.

Football transfer news headlines today

TRANSFER RUMOURS: Chelsea receive €100m update as Man Utd target deal

Revealed: €100m Chelsea target wants Real Madrid move

Mikel Arteta receives Arsenal sack warning after summer spending spree

Liverpool summer signings ranked as €470m spend brings a 32-year low

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store