Chelsea eye €50m star to end their goalkeeper saga
Transfer News: Chelsea’s long-running pursuit of AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan has entered a new chapter, and this time, circumstances at the San Siro may finally work in the Blues’ favour. According to Calciomercato.it, Chelsea are “still hot” for the Frenchman and are ready to table a formal offer, as reported by Sport Witness. The west London club are not alone as Manchester United and Bayern Munich have also gathered information on the 30-year-old, but Chelsea appear the most determined suitor at this point.
Transfer news: Chelsea eye €50m Mike Maignan to end their goalkeeper saga
While Maignan signed a new long-term deal in the winter, Milan’s struggles, which saw them miss out on Champions League football, could yet pave the way for an exit. On Monday, the Italian club parted ways with manager Massimiliano Allegri, sporting CEO Igli Tare, and technical director Geoffrey Moncada, triggering a structural reset that puts every high-value asset under scrutiny. Milan value Maignan at €50m, a fee that would significantly ease the financial pressure following their Champions League absence.
Chelsea reportedly explored a move for the France international last summer, but negotiations eventually collapsed after both clubs failed to agree on a transfer valuation. This summer, however, the dynamic is different. Maignan kept 16 clean sheets and conceded 38 goals across 41 matches this season, with agency Excellent Sport Nation, headed by Jonathan Kebe and Jeremy Ramalingam, handling his representation. His Transfermarkt valuation sits at €25m, though Milan’s asking price remains considerably higher.
Transfer news: What Xabi Alonso’s arrival means for this deal?
Xabi Alonso begins work on July 1, 2026, after agreeing to a four-year contract, with Chelsea hoping he can bring direction to a squad that has been expensively assembled but often lacked balance and maturity. His arrival fundamentally changes the goalkeeping conversation at Stamford Bridge. Sources indicate Maignan remains the standout option at this stage due to his experience, leadership, and proven ability at the highest level.
Transfer news: Is this a realistic option for Xabi Alonso?
Frankly, yes, and here is why this feels different from last summer’s stalled pursuit. Alonso builds his teams around a goalkeeper who commands possession from the first touch, someone his defenders trust completely when playing out under pressure. If Chelsea want immediate authority in goal, they may prefer someone who has already handled Champions League nights, title pressure and international football. Maignan fits that bill completely.
Milan’s boardroom collapse is genuinely significant because it removes the one man, Allegri, who convinced him to stay once before. Chelsea have held a long-term interest in Maignan and tried to sign him last summer before negotiations with Milan collapsed, but a move could be explored this year if Alonso believes the Frenchman to be the right solution in goal. The transfer news points strongly toward a serious bid, and the latest chaos in Milan gives Chelsea a real advantage heading into the summer window.
Rohit Sarkar
