There are a lot of deals that Chelsea were able to get over the line in the recent summer transfer window. But then, there were those that did not work out. Of course, most people would point towards Xavi Simons joining Tottenham Hotspur or Fermin Lopez staying on at FC Barcelona. But there is another deal that never materialised much earlier.
Before the Club World Cup, it had looked like Chelsea were ready to sign a new goalkeeper after two shaky seasons with Robert Sanchez as their number one. It is believed that personal terms were agreed with Mike Maignan as well but an agreement could not be reached with AC Milan.
Sanchez stayed on as number one and even won the Golden Glove as Chelsea won the Club World Cup. And later in the summer, when goalkeepers like Gianluigi Donnarumma and Emi Martinez became available, the Blues did not seem interested.
Was it because they were convinced that Sanchez is the answer? Or do they have a different goalkeeper in mind? It looks like the answer might be the second one.
Chelsea confident about signing world-class player for free
As reported by TBR Football, Chelsea remain interested in Maignan and are ready to make a move to sign him to a pre-contract in January. The Blues are confident about securing his signature.
Maignan might have remained at AC Milan. But he has not signed a contract extension with the club. That means that his current deal is still set to run out at the end of the season.
If Chelsea are able to sign someone like Maignan as a free agent, it would have to be considered a major coup for them. He is an excellent shot stopper and very good with the ball with his feet, both things you want in a modern goalkeeper.