Chelsea could now find it even harder to sign Mike Maignan from AC Milan as the Italian giants prepare a new contract for their shot-stopper.
That is according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
So, what are the details involving Mike Maignan and Chelsea? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, it was Calcio Mercato News who claimed that the France international is wanted by Chelsea.
The Italian news outlet wrote that the Blues were plotting a €50m (£43m) bid which also included Edouard Mendy.
However, AC Milan were described as unlikely to accept such an offer, as their valuation of Maignan stands at €90m (£78m).
The 27-year-old has a contract with AC Milan until June 2026, although the Italian giants are keen to tie him down to a longer deal with a pay rise in order to recognise his growing importance at the San Siro.
Gazzetta dello Sport believe AC Milan want to get Maignan tied down to a deal running until June 2028, while they are also willing to offer him a pay rise from €2.8m-a-year up to €4m-a-year (£2.4m up to £3.5m).
Interestingly, the Cayenne-born glovesman’s views on staying in Milan are not mentioned in the report, so he could still reject the club’s offer of a new contract.
Maignan not the most realistic option for Chelsea
In our view, it would be a major surprise if Chelsea signed Maignan this summer.
Regardless of whether the Frenchman signs a new contract or not, he still has three years remaining on his current terms, meaning AC Milan are able to stand firm on their £78m valuation of their No.16 this summer.
That is a huge amount for Chelsea to spend on a new goalkeeper, and we feel a deal for someone like David Raya – who Sky Sports believe is a target for the Blues – is far more realistic.
After all, Brentford have just announced the signing of Mark Flekken – who appears to be arriving as a replacement for the Spain international – so Chelsea’s chances of completing that deal have now increased.
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