Chelsea open talks for Mike Maignan as Maresca targets long-term goalkeeper solution

Chelsea have officially opened talks with AC Milan for Mike Maignan, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 29-year-old France international is viewed as a top target as the club seeks to solve its long-standing goalkeeper issues.

Maignan, who joined Milan from Lille in 2021, has been a consistent performer for both club and country. He was included in the Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament following a strong campaign for France and remains under contract with Milan until June 2026.

Chelsea’s goalkeeping dilemma

During the 2024–25 season, Robert Sánchez and Filip Jörgensen shared goalkeeping duties at Chelsea but failed to establish consistency. According to The Athletic, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Djordje Petrovic, and Mike Penders spent the season out on loan and are not expected to feature in the club’s future plans.

Transfer talks and valuation gap

Per Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have internally valued Maignan at around €10 million, whereas Milan are seeking closer to €30 million. Talks are ongoing, but the two clubs remain far apart in valuation. Chelsea are expected to continue negotiations until Monday before reassessing their stance.

Maresca’s tactical reasoning

Enzo Maresca, who developed his coaching philosophy within the Manchester City system, places strong emphasis on goalkeeper involvement in build-up play. His approach requires goalkeepers to act as a third centre-back—initiating possession, dictating tempo, and staying composed under pressure. Maignan, known for his passing range and organisational leadership, has fulfilled this role effectively at Milan and fits Maresca’s tactical demands with precision.

Track record at Milan

Since arriving at Milan, Maignan has played a pivotal role, helping the club secure the 2021–22 Serie A title and reaching the 2022–23 Champions League semi-finals. According to UEFA data, Maignan averaged 4.3 saves per match during the 2022–23 Champions League campaign, posting an impressive 81% save percentage—ranking him among the most reliable goalkeepers in Europe. (FBref / UEFA)

Long-term vision

As reported by The Times, Chelsea's owners Clearlake Capital are determined to end the cycle of short-term solutions between the posts. The pursuit of Maignan is seen as part of a long-term strategy to bring leadership and consistency to one of the squad’s most critical positions.

Fan perspective

Chelsea fans believe Maignan could finally provide the stability the club has lacked since Edouard Mendy’s peak years. On social media, many supporters have framed the potential signing not just as a footballing decision, but as a symbolic step towards restoring Chelsea’s identity and competitiveness after years of fluctuation between the posts.