Mike Maignan is now thinking about leaving AC Milan this summer after Chelsea made a bid for his services.
That is according to La Repubblica in Italy.
While Chelsea‘s bid may have turned Mike Maignan‘s head, that is not the main reason for his unhappiness at the San Siro.
What’s the story?
Well, AC Milan have been plunged into chaos after Gerry Cardinale – the American owner of majority shareholder RedBird – fell out with Sporting Director Paolo Maldini and fired him.
La Repubblica believe Maignan, Theo Hernandez, Rafael Leao and other star players did not take it too well given the strong foundations built by Maldini, which led AC Milan to the Serie A title last season after plenty of mediocrity in recent years.
So, it seems Chelsea’s offer for the France international may actually have a chance of being successful.
It was La Repubblica who also claimed that Chelsea had made a bid for Maignan, believed to be worth €60m (£52m).
The Frenchman enjoyed a superb 2022/23 campaign, helping AC Milan reach the UEFA Champions League semi-final and finish fourth in Serie A with ten clean sheets in 29 appearances across all competitions.
Chelsea have a Maignan backup plan
If the uncertainty at AC Milan doesn’t end up pushing Maignan towards Stamford Bridge, the Blues have a backup plan.
La Repubblica add that Chelsea intend to offer Kalidou Koulibaly and cash for Inter Milan glovesman Andre Onana if they are unable to sign the AC Milan No.16 this summer.
In our view, it would have been incredibly difficult to sign the £59,000-a-week man from AC Milan this summer given his status as one of Europe’s best goalkeepers.
Now – however – the sacking of Maldini has changed a lot at the San Siro, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see Maignan leave for Stamford Bridge as a result.
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