AC Milan shot-stopper Mike Maignan remains a priority target for Premier League giants Chelsea ahead of next season.

According to Graeme Bailey via TBR Football, Chelsea are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper as Enzo Maresca is not pleased with any of the options at his disposal. The Blues were looking to sign AC Milan’s Mike Maignan before the Club World Cup. While things did not go according to plan for them back then, the West London club are expected to return for his signature in the coming days.

Bailey’s take on Mike Maignan to Chelsea

While speaking to TBR about Maignan’s future, Bailey said, “Max Allegri has talked about Mike Maignan staying on as captain, but that has little impact on the situation as he’s yet to sign a new contract yet, meaning he has one year left on his current deal. Chelsea are keeping close tabs on the Maignan situation.

“We understand that he would like to go to Chelsea. Robert Sanchez was told earlier in the summer that he can go and they offered him to West Ham as part of the Mohammed Kudus deal.

“Enzo Maresca has made it very clear that he wants a new number one. He doesn’t like any of the current options. So yeah, we haven’t heard the end of Mike Maignan to Chelsea this summer, that’s for sure.”

Chelsea have been quite active in the transfer window so far, having signed Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Jamie Gittens. While the Blues have significantly bolstered their attack, Maresca still remains keen on adding more quality at the back. The Italian manager is on the lookout for a new goalkeeper.

He wants a new number one as he looks to take the West London club to another level. AC Milan’s Mike Maignan is a top target for them, and with the Frenchman entering the final year of his deal, Chelsea are hopeful of striking a deal for his services.

Chelsea to prioritise Maignan transfer

Maresca does have a lot of options in between the sticks, but he is not happy with their output. He feels a world-class goalkeeper could help them close the gap at the top in the Premier League. Chelsea have already informed Robert Sanchez that he could leave the club, as they plan on bringing in a new number one.

Ideally, the Blues wanted to sign Mike Maignan prior to the FIFA Club World Cup, but they could not strike a deal with AC Milan. Despite the setback, they continued to monitor the 30-year-old goalkeeper.

Chelsea are set to square up against PSG in the final of the global event, and once that is taken care of, they could step up their pursuit of the French international. The French international remains a priority target for the club as Maresca has made it clear to the club’s hierarchy that he wants a new goalkeeper at all costs.

While AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri is keen to keep hold of Maignan and wants him to continue as the team’s skipper, the situation is out of their hands with the 30-year-old goalkeeper’s contract set to expire in less than 12 months.