Chelsea could be poised to execute a savvy piece of transfer business in the January window, finally addressing a key position by pursuing a deal for AC Milan's goalkeeper, Mike Maignan.
Summer Interest and a Stalled Deal
The West London club were heavily linked with the French international throughout the summer transfer window. However, a proposed move to Stamford Bridge collapsed after Chelsea baulked at AC Milan's asking price, reported by The Guardian to be around £21 million for a player with only a year remaining on his contract.
Chelsea had a busy summer, bringing in ten new players including Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, and Alejandro Garnacho. In contrast, they reduced their goalkeeping options, selling Kepa Arrizabalaga to Arsenal for £5 million and Djordje Petrovic to Bournemouth for approximately £25 million.
A Golden January Opportunity
The landscape has shifted significantly as the winter window approaches. It emerged last month that Maignan has no intention of extending his contract with the Serie A giants. This means he is on course to become a free agent when his deal expires at the end of the current season.
From January 1st, Maignan will be legally free to discuss a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of Italy, potentially setting up a summer switch. Alternatively, interested parties could offer Milan a nominal fee to secure his services immediately in January, preventing the Italian club from losing their first-choice keeper for nothing six months later.
Chelsea Back in the Driving Seat
According to a report from Sky Sports Switzerland, Chelsea have now re-engaged in talks with Maignan's representatives and are considered the front-runners to sign him. Juventus are also reportedly keen, but the chance to fulfil a lifelong dream of playing in the Premier League could give Chelsea a decisive advantage.
While Robert Sanchez has performed encouragingly as Chelsea's number one this season, the potential acquisition of a world-class goalkeeper like Maignan on a free transfer represents an opportunity too good for the club's hierarchy, led by Todd Boehly, to ignore.
The January transfer window opens on January 1 and closes at 7pm on February 2. Before then, Chelsea face crucial Premier League home fixtures against Aston Villa and Bournemouth.
