Furious Chelsea fans slam owners after complete transfer meltdown

Just when Chelsea fans thought they had turned a corner amid a topsy-turvy relationship with the recruitment team another transfer saga has led to outrage. There was a real feeling of excitement around Stamford Bridge after a return to the UEFA Champions League was sealed.

This looked set to result in a switch up in profiles targeted by Laurence Stewart, Paul Winstanley, and Joe Shields. Perhaps the youth policy put in place since the Todd Boehly era began would pause to allow more experienced and high-profile names to arrive.

Chelsea's goalkeeping situation has been one of concern for a significant period despite Enzo Maresca possessing several options. When news broke of Mike Maignan emerging as a potential market opportunity, fans were dreaming of the French shot-stopper arriving. Those dreams look to be over much to their dismay.

Chelsea fans call out absolute transfer "mess"

The Blues were prepared to sign Maignan before transfer deadline day, ahead of the Club World Cup, which came on Tuesday (June 10). The only issue was AC Milan were demanding £30m for the French international and this 'tax' is reportedly too much for the club.

Maignan won't be joining and it's said that the higher-ups are satisfied with the current crop of goalkeepers at Stamford Bridge. This was the biggest head scratcher regarding the failed transfer which was perfectly summed up by one X user:

"I don't mind not wanting to pay 'CWC tax'. I do, however, think any attempt to brief that the club have full faith in their goalkeeping options is stupid. Just a mess on many levels. Should have walked away when it was clear several days ago that Milan would not budge."

Maignan is one of Europe's most highly-regarded goalkeepers and, questionable injury record aside, he'd have been a statement signing ahead of the Club World Cup and Champions League return.

Who knows what the future holds regarding Maresca's number one but Djordje Petrovic's days with the Blues may be numbered. The Serbian shot-stopper has reportedly been told he can leave this summer.

One fan called the owners "foolish":

"These owners don’t care about what the fans think. Foolish owners with foolish directors . I pray they never win any match in the ucl."

Maignan has plenty of experience that could have been of huge use to Maresca. The 29-year-old also wanted to make the move but the owners' stubborness to pay £5m more than they did for Robert Sanchez means he misses out.

Fans also slam decision over Jamie Gittens

It was a difficult day for fans and that wasn't solely due to missing out on Maignan. The Blues want Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens to be their left-wing signing after sending Jadon Sancho back to Manchester United.

Chelsea failed with an offer of around £50m for the English youngster and he won't be joining for the Club World Cup. There is optimism that a deal can be agreed once the competition ends and the window reopens.

One fan reacted to the club failing to sign either Maignan or Gittens, alongside other setbacks, by calling it the worst day as a supporter:

"Maignan and Gittens didn’t sign. Petrovic left out of the CWC squad. Nkunku included in the squad.

Bettinelli gone after 4 years. Kendry Paez won’t be here next szn.

Today's genuinely one of the worst days I've had as a Chelsea fan."

They weren't the only ones losing their minds over a day of disastrous transfer activity that places doubts over the recruitment staff. Maresca did his job in guiding the west Londoners back to their rightful place in the Champions League, but there are still huge question marks over those working to build him a team capable of remaining amongst Europe's elite.

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