AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is reportedly leaving San Siro on a free transfer this summer — and why Chelsea might not want to miss the opportunity to make a move.
Rossoneri legend and technical director Paolo Maldini has reportedly confirmed the 22-year-old’s summer exit.
“I think we should thank all the players who contributed to this incredible season,” Maldini said during a live stream on the club’s Twitch account, as reported by Football Italia.
“It’s difficult to accept, I understand, but it’s also increasingly difficult to see a career in only one team.
“We must respect those who gave so much to Milan and remember Donnarumma did not lack respect for us.
“It can happen that at times you have to take different paths. I can only wish him the best.”
Chelsea reportedly among interested clubs
Chelsea have been linked with the Italy international for quite a while now. According to a report from Italian outlet Sportmediaset in March, Chelsea are one of the few clubs that have a pretty good chance to sign the goalkeeper.
As things stand, Thomas Tuchel has three goalkeeper options; Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Willy Caballero.
Mendy has been outstanding since his arrival last summer, but there are questions over Arrizabalaga’s future at Chelsea, while Caballero’s contract ends this summer.
A new goalkeeper might not and should not be a priority for Chelsea this summer.
However, when a player like Donnarumma is available on a free transfer, it might be an opportunity that they would not want to miss.
Chelsea’s goalkeeping expert saw potential in Donnarumma
Head of Chelsea goalkeeping department Christophe Lollichon, who also gave the recommendation to sign Mendy last summer, had already had his say about Donnarumma a couple of years ago.
“He has had a huge boost in his training by playing very early on with the first team. There’s no better way to do it,” Lollichon said about Donnarumma in an interview with Eurosport in 2019.
“He’s a very good keeper on the line. He has amazing reflexes. And he takes up space because he is very tall. In the air, he’s not afraid to go up.”
Lollichon also saw a few flaws in Donnarumma’s game, although he insisted that it was only natural for the then 20-year-old.
“For example, he has a backward swing of his arms that is absolutely gigantic and is more disturbing than anything else,” he explained.
“He can be much more influential in the box than he is now. But only if he can read the game well and anticipate the opposition’s intentions. I think he has the potential to do that.”
Chronicle view
Donnarumma is two years older since Lollichon did the interview now and in the last three seasons, he has always been among the top-three goalkeepers in terms of clean sheets.
Chelsea would arguably be fine for the next few seasons if they keep Mendy as their No.1. But signing Donnarumma could solve their goalkeeping problem for the next decade.
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