Chelsea is currently attempting to sign Mike Maignan from AC Milan, after the goalkeeper has gone mute over a new AC Milan contract.
Over the last few seasons, one consistent problem in the Chelsea lineup has been the goalkeeper. Not that Chelsea have been starved of options here, but instead, their options have often lacked quality.
Robert Sanchez is one of those "hit or miss" goalkeepers. He has the ability to play a blinder on some matches, but his mistakes have been far too costly for the Blues this season. It might not seem like a priority issue given their European silverware and place in the Champions League next season but Enzo Maresca will want to address it before it becomes a priority issue.
And now, a golden opportunity has presented itself to Chelsea.
Chelsea try to steal Mike Maignan after AC Milan's contract silence
According to an exclusive morning report from Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea is attempting to sign Mike Maignan from AC Milan. The Italian journalist claims that Chelsea has approached Mike Maignan, who has been on their transfer list for a while now, and now the decision is in Milan's hands.
This is certainly an interesting transfer story, considering Mike Maignan isn't under contract for too long. Maignan is only under contract until 2026, so next summer, and Chelsea are aware that he's not yet signed an extension.
Mike Maignan was touted as a potential signing for Man United last month, too, so Premier League clubs are circling around his situation. It is easy to see why, since he's one of the highest -rofile goalkeepers in the world.
Maignan is the missing piece of the puzzle, and he's certainly cut out for the Premier League. While his main pull factor is his shot-stopping, it's hard to overlook his comfort in uncomfortable positions.
Maignan is no stranger to coming out of the box to clear the ball and he also has great distribution. This isn't to be undermined, considering some of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, for example Ederson and David Raya, possess these same traits. That's the way modern gooabll is going, Chelsea must finally move with the times.
Of course, Maignan would instantly raise the floor for Chelsea. He would give them more options to attack, which seems strange to say for a goalkeeper. Let's see how this deal progresses and if AC Milan is willing to communicate with Chelsea over their goalkeeper.