Chelsea continue to be linked with AC Milan’s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, after a move collapsed this summer and there could be a golden chance to sign him in January.
Chelsea can finally fulfil Enzo Maresca‘s desire for reinforcements in a crucial position with a savvy free transfer during the January window.
The west London side had a bustling summer, bringing in 10 new faces including Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho. However, they didn’t bolster their goalkeeping ranks, instead offloading Kepa Arrizabalaga to London rivals Arsenal for £5million, and Djordje Petrovic to Bournemouth for around £25million.
Throughout the summer months, Chelsea were persistently linked with AC Milan‘s Mike Maignan. The 30-year-old was rumoured to be heading to Stamford Bridge, but the Blues eventually backed off after failing to agree on a fee for the France international shot-stopper.
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A report from The Guardian at the same time suggested that the Serie A outfit were demanding around £21million. A price Chelsea considered too steep for a player with just a year left on his contract.
As the January transfer window looms, it remains to be seen whether, or not, Chelsea will reignite their interest. It came to light last month that Maignan has no plans to extend his contract with Milan and is therefore expected to be available as a free agent at the end of the current season.
As the New Year approaches, Maignan will be free to discuss a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside Italy, potentially paving the way for a summer move. Clubs interested in his services could also tempt Milan with a nominal fee to secure him in January, should the Serie A heavyweights prefer not to lose their No.1 goalkeeper on a free transfer in six months.
Sky Sports Switzerland recently reported that Chelsea have rekindled talks with Maignan’s representatives and are front-runners for his signature. Juventus are also reportedly keen on the player, but the allure of fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing in the Premier League may tip the scales.
From Chelsea’s viewpoint, Robert Sanchez has had an encouraging season as the club’s number one. The 28-year-old’s value was underscored by his superb assist for Pedro in the recent victory over Newcastle United.
However, it seems Chelsea’s top brass may be focusing on other areas of the pitch. Reports surfaced on Monday suggesting that they’ve entered the race for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who is also on the radar of several of Chelsea’s top-six rivals this winter.
The transfer window swings open on January 1 and stays open until 7pm on February 2. But, before then, Chelsea must first tackle challenging Premier League home matches against Aston Villa and Bournemouth.
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