Chelsea pull out of deal to sign Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan

Chelsea have reportedly pulled out of a deal to sign Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

The Premier League side were considered frontrunners for the French goalkeeper's signature but are believed to have been put off by the asking price of the Italian club.

Fabrizio Romano reported on X on Tuesday: "EXCL: Mike Maignan deal now OFF between Chelsea and AC Milan.

"Chelsea not willing to meet Milan price, deal not proceeding in time for Club World Cup as #CFC won’t pay “CWC tax”.

"#CFC maintain full trust in Petrović, Sánchez, Jorgensen + talent Mike Penders for GK role."

Despite the probable leaking from the club that they have full trust in their existing goalkeepers, Enzo Maresca dropping Sanchez partway through the season for Filip Jorgensen, before restoring the Spaniard as number one, suggests otherwise.

It is thought Maresca wants a goalkeeper more comfortable with the ball at his feet to help his side build attacks from the back, and while Maignan might not be a world class shot-stopper, he's good enough in that department while being a significant upgrade when it comes to playing the ball.

It remains to be seen what direction Chelsea now go in, but a new goalkeeper will remain on their wish list. Having started the campaign with four goalkeepers, sending Kepa Arrizabalaga out on loan, the Blues are set to lose both the former Bournemouth loanee as well as Marcus Bettinelli, who's set to join Manchester City.

It may well be that the Conference League winners go back in for Maignan at a later date. The France international kept an impressive 12 clean sheets in Serie A last season, but with his contract set to expire in 12 months, Milan themselves may look to sell as the transfer window progresses.

Maignan was signed by the Italian side in 2021 for around £12m, going on to become the national side's number one following the retirement of Hugo Lloris, twice being named in the Serie A Team of the Year in 2022 and 2023.

Liam Williams

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