Liam Rosenior continued his perfect start to life in the Premier League as Chelsea defeated Crystal Palace 3-1 at Selhurst Park. Although, one of the Blues' key players Cole Palmer was absent, Estevao Willian stepped up and performed brilliantly on the day. Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez were also on the scoresheet.
Estevao's breakaway goal put Chelsea ahead, and Pedro added another early in the second half. Fernandez scored the third from the penalty spot after a VAR review revealed Jaydee Canvot's accidental handball.
The final week of the January transfer window has begun, and despite being linked with several players this month, the club haven't gone for any big moves so far. However, they've recognised two positions which the Blues have been clearly lacking. As they are currently pursuing a centre-back and a central midfielder, largely due to injuries, picked up by Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia. Meanwhile, there has been a new update regarding one of the Chelsea targets.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, AC Milan and Mike Maignan have reached a verbal agreement over a new deal until June 2031. Formal steps are set to follow but it is in place for the French goalkeeper who was out of contract in June 2026.
'Reach verbal agreement' - Fabrizio Romano confirms bad news for Chelsea
Maignan was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge last summer, but the two clubs were unable to agree on a fee, and the deal fell through. However, over the past few months, there have been persistent rumours that they might resume their pursuit of the goalkeeper. But after the latest report from Romano, it could be said that the Blues have missed out.
Chelsea have decided to stick with Robert Sanchez as their first-choice goalkeeper, who has made some silly mistakes but also pulled off several world-class saves this season. Furthermore, it has been reported that the club want to focus on the development of Mike Penders, who is now on loan at Strasbourg and might compete with the Spaniard for the number spot next season.
Chelsea have also recalled Teddy Sharman-Lowe from his loan spell, and it's possible that he may stay with the first team for the rest of the season. As a result, it seems unlikely that the Blues would enter the market for a new goalkeeper this winter. With that being said, will they regret missing out on Maignan? Only time will tell.