Maignan crisis: Will he stay at Milan or move to Chelsea?

Mike Maignan’s future at AC Milan remains uncertain, as the club’s management prepares to hold one final meeting with the star goalkeeper this week. According to Calciomercato, Milan want to secure the goalkeeper position under new head coach Massimiliano Allegri. However, Maignan, the number one for the France national team, has yet to receive a satisfactory offer from the club and is leaving the door open to a departure.

On Chelsea’s side, concrete steps have already been taken. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Chelsea have submitted two official bids for Maignan, both of which were rejected by Milan as insufficient. The Italian club’s valuation of the goalkeeper stands at around £21 million.

Promises made at Milan, but no concrete action

The 29-year-old goalkeeper was promised a contract renewal during the season, but months have passed without Milan formalising that promise. According to Calciomercato, Maignan is increasingly frustrated by the situation and more open than ever to continuing his career in a different league. The prospect of playing in the Premier League is becoming an increasingly clear option in his mind.

In the 2024/25 season, Maignan played 53 matches for Milan across all competitions, keeping 15 clean sheets but conceding a total of 59 goals. Although his performance was generally consistent, the club’s slow handling of the process has damaged his sense of commitment.

Failed offers and unmet expectations

Chelsea’s attempts to sign Mike Maignan have so far yielded no results. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the English club initially submitted a £15 million bid, which was immediately rejected by Milan. The offer was then increased to £18 million, but it still fell short of the Italian side’s £21 million valuation.

While Chelsea believed the goalkeeper’s desire to play in the Premier League would pressure Milan into selling, this strategy has not worked as intended. Milan have remained firm on both the contract negotiations and transfer fee, refusing to budge.

According to Fabrizio Romano, talks between the two parties have now been completely suspended. Chelsea have interpreted Milan’s rising fee demands, linked to the upcoming Club World Cup, as an “inflated tournament premium.” Unwilling to pay this additional cost driven by timing, the London club have found the deal unworkable. Romano stated clearly, “The World Cup bonus premium was what broke the deal.”

Allegri and Filippi now in play

On Milan’s side, the technical staff reshuffle is expected to spark fresh efforts to convince Maignan. New head coach Massimiliano Allegri and incoming goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi may prove influential in convincing Maignan to stay. Filippi’s past bond with Buffon during his Juventus tenure is being seen as a key reference point by Milan.

Chelsea in strategic wait

Meanwhile, Chelsea have already finalised their squad for the Club World Cup. Head coach Enzo Maresca said, “Robert Sánchez is the first-choice goalkeeper, Filip Jörgensen is the second. We’ll evaluate Mike Penders.” This clarified the club’s tournament plan. However, the club continues to monitor Maignan’s situation closely.

Considering the possibility of a free transfer in the summer of 2026, the opportunity for Chelsea could become even more significant. If Milan fail to reach an agreement with the player in this week’s meeting, the door to Stamford Bridge could open wide for Maignan.