Chelsea target Mike Maignan issues ultimatum to force summer transfer

Chelsea are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper this summer after qualifying for the Champions League and are in talks to sign AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, though they are yet to strike an agreement

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan has reportedly made it clear he wants to join Chelsea this summer despite new boss Max Allegri wanting him to stay at the San Siro this summer. The France international is a big target for the Blues after being left unconvinced by the inconsistent displays of Robert Sanchez.

Chelsea do have Filip Jorgensen and Dorde Petrovic as back-up options, but as Kepa Arrizabalaga prepares to join Arsenal, Enzo Maresca will want to make sure he has a top quality in between the sticks.

Maignan certainly ticks that box after picking up 32 caps for France and succeeding Hugo Lloris as the country’s No 1 goalkepeer, while also winning Ligue 1, Serie A and the Nations League during his career.

He is currently regarded as one of the best keepers in world football and appears ready to take the next step by moving to the Premier League.

According to L’Equipe, Maignan is “determined” to move to Stamford Bridge even after Allegri told the player he was counting on him for next season.

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The report adds that Chelsea and AC Milan are in talks over a transfer and would like to wrap it up in time for the Club World Cup, which starts in the United States next week.

A conclusion should be reached “in the coming days” either way, though Maignan has assured AC Milan that he is willing to see out his contract until 2026 if an agreement can’t be reached.

However, given that Maignan is at risk of leaving on a free transfer, it would seem likely Milan would prefer to cash in on the player while they still can.

Italian outlet Gazzeta dello Sport have claimed Chelsea might need to bid £15m to be sure of signing the 29-year-old – though other reports have suggested £13m will be enough.

Chelsea have already sealed a deal for Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap after triggering his £30m release clause and are keen to further bolster their squad.

Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens – who played in the Chelsea academy as a youth star – is said to be another target for the Blues.

The club’s first match at the Club World Cup will be against Los Angeles FC on June 16 before playing Brazilian side Flamengo on June 20. Their final game of the group stage will be against ES Tunis on June 25.

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