Chelsea hopes of signing Mike Maignan have been handed a significant boost after the goalkeeper told Milan that he wanted to leave and make the move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Blues have long-admired Maignan and opened negotiations with Milan over a transfer this week, however Chelsea failed to come close to the Italian side’s valuation of €30 million for their number one.
With Milan also failing to qualify for Europe this season, the Serie A giants are not thought to be in a strong negotiating position, particularly with reports that Maignan is demanding to leave and join Chelsea this summer.
Chelsea are keen to wrap up a quick deal ahead of this month’s Club World Cup and, while there is still no guarantee a deal is done, the Premier League side see Maignan as a priority and will push for his signature.
Milan, meanwhile will weigh up the prospect of lowering their asking price and cashing in on Maignan or risk him leaving on a free next summer, with the goalkeeper seemingly desperate to play Champions League football and join Chelsea.
Maignan could become Chelsea’s NINTH goalkeeper
Chelsea’s could end up with no fewer than nine goalkeepers on their books if they do complete the signing of Maignan, with Filip Jorgensen – a €24.5m signing last summer – and current number one Robert Sanchez facing uncertain futures.
Enzo Maresca’s side will also see the arrival of Mike Penders from Genk after his €20m move last year, while Djordje Petrovic has returned from his successful loan at affiliate club Strasbourg.
Backup goalkeepers Marcus Bettinelli, Lucas Bergstrom and Teddy Sharman-Lowe still remain contracted as well as Kepa Arrizabalaga after his loan stint at Bournemouth.
While Chelsea are expected to shift a number of their fringe players this summer, it remains to be seen just how they will find moves for all their goalkeepers while also trying to convince their young options of their future credentials if they remain at the club in the long-term.
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