Chelsea eyeing world-class player who was ready to join last year

With Xabi Alonso arriving, the winds of change could be blowing at Chelsea this summer. There have been conflicting suggestions about the club’s plans for the transfer window. Some have claimed that the Spaniard rates the squad highly and just wants to bring in two to three experienced players to galvanise. On the other hand, there have been reports that suggest that the new manager is going to sign off on four to five starting XI-level players and there will be big-name departures as well.

It remains to be seen which one is true. There are definitely quite a few positions where Chelsea could do with better options.

For that to happen, they could need to part ways with a few players first in order to fund the summer transfer overhaul. They were already fined by UEFA last year and continue to be monitored.

For a while last summer, it had looked like the Blues were ready to strengthen their goalkeeper ranks, with Robert Sanchez failing to establish himself as the number one between the posts. And now, according to Gazzetto dello Sport, Chelsea have never forgotten Mike Maignan, even if for the moment we are in a simple information phase, call it an in-depth study. But, depending on how the Rossoneri season ends, it could become much more. The Frenchman may not tilt completely towards the Premier League club though as they won’t be playing Champions League football.

Mike Maignan agreed to Chelsea move last summer

It is worth remembering that Chelsea had looked close to signing Maignan at one point last summer. In fact, it was just one step away.

As the report from the Italian outlet states, there was a time when Maignan had said ‘yes’ to Chelsea, and if AC Milan had managed to find the economic agreement with the Blues, he would be at Stamford Bridge right now.

But then, it did not happen and Maignan remained at AC Milan. On the other hand, Chelsea did not sign any other goalkeeper either and continued with Sanchez as their first-choice after a solid ClubWorld Cup campaign. But it looks like there is a possibility that the Blues could revisit their interest in the summer.

Could Robert Sanchez be the solution for Xabi Alonso?

A lot could change between now and this summer. Let’s not forget that there is the World Cup as well. New stars could emerge at the tournament. In fact, they always do, leading to Chelsea to consider moves.

As for Sanchez, I do feel that he is an excellent goalkeeper when playing to his strengths. He is a phenomenal shot-stopper and can pull off extraordinary saves, which very few others can match.

But then, he has his weaknesses as well. He is not the best with the ball at his feet and can make mistakes. That leads to conceding goals and he quickly loses his confidence. When that happens, his performance levels go down.

So, if Alonso wants Sanchez at his best, he cannot rely too much on him playing out from the back. But then, the Spaniard does like that in his goalkeepers.

There might be only one solution as a result. Either Alonso tweaks his system. Or he brings in a new goalkeeper. Could it be Maignan? Could it be Mike Penders? Or perhaps someone else altogether.