Insider says ‘world class’ player could be coming to Chelsea next summer, a deal is ‘way down the road’

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The nature of football means you can never really rest on your laurels, and Chelsea are already looking to next summer.

There are some gaping holes in this Chelsea squad, exacerbated by an early-season injury crisis at Stamford Bridge.

The attack hasn’t fully clicked yet, though there is enough quality to suggest it’s only a matter of time.

At the back, it’s a different story. Chelsea have looked poor, lacking discipline and making life for Enzo Maresca extremely difficult.

The lion’s share of new signings have been to strengthen in the forward areas, while little attention has been paid to needs further back the pitch.

But Chelsea are reportedly working to address one of the main defensive issues they have been criticised for.

Chelsea not done with Mike Maignan

It feels like the Chelsea goalkeeper talk is never-ending. Robert Sanchez’s future was in doubt for much of last season, but he bought himself another season with an outstanding Club World Cup campaign.

But we’re still in September, and already, Sanchez has reverted to his old ways. His fifth-minute sending off against Man United was reminiscent of last season’s issues, and many are questioning Chelsea’s decision not to replace him.

But according to Graeme Bailey, who discussed Chelsea’s goalkeeper debacle on the Beyond The Back Four podcast, they are still looking to bring in Mike Maignan.

He revealed: “I think the deal for Mike Maignan is way down the road. So I can excuse them for not bringing Donnarumma in because they’ve got a world class one coming in the summer.”

The decision not to bring in Donnarumma certainly raised eyebrows, but if Chelsea are serious about the Frenchman, all could be forgiven.

Chelsea might be two seasons too late

As nice as it would be to sign a keeper of Maignan’s pedigree next summer, it’s a development that comes far too late.

When Maresca arrived at the club, there were already doubts surrounding the Spaniard. Who knows how much better Chelsea would have been with more protection in goal last season.

Add to that the Mike Penders element, and the whole situation just feels poorly managed.

Penders is a ‘generational’ talent, who will soon be ready to step into a starting role at the club. What would this new signing mean for the young Belgian? Is it another Courtois/Atletico situation?

Without disrespecting the current number one, Chelsea do need a new keeper if they are serious about contending for Premier League titles. They’re just a season or two too late.