- Maignan, 30 next month, could cost about €30m
- Sancho returning to Manchester United after loan
Chelsea are poised to make an offer for Mike Maignan after holding positive talks for the Milan goalkeeper, who could be available for about €30m (£25m) because he has only one year left on his contract.
The Stamford Bridge club, who have paid a £5m penalty clause after opting against meeting a £25m obligation to sign the Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, have made checks on Maignan after being presented with an opportunity to make a significant upgrade on their options in goal.
It is understood that the France No 1 is not minded to extend his contract and has indicated that he is interested in joining Chelsea. Milan are happy to sell at the right price despite their new coach, Max Allegri, wanting to keep Maignan. Chelsea have been exploring the conditions of a deal and are believed to be preparing an opening bid. Enzo Maresca, the club’s head coach, is a big fan of Maignan and believes his distribution will suit his side’s style.
It is anticipated that his arrival would prompt Chelsea to sell at least one of their goalkeepers. They are open to offers for Robert Sánchez, who was Enzo Maresca’s No 1 last season, and Djordje Petrovic after the Serbian’s loan at Strasbourg. Filip Jörgensen competed with Sánchez for a starting spot after joining from Villarreal last summer. Chelsea are excited about Mike Penders after the 19-year-old Belgian’s arrival from Genk. Kepa Arrizabalaga, who spent last season on loan at Bournemouth, is still on Chelsea’s books and is expected to move on again.
Chelsea have also made an inquiry for the Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. However it is understood firmer interest for the 22-year-old is coming from Newcastle, who are likely to miss out on Espanyol’s Joan García to Barcelona.
Chelsea are close to announcing the £30m signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich after finalising personal terms with the striker, and decided against signing Sancho on a permanent basis because of misgivings over his consistency. They are weighing up a bid for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens as they look to sign before the Club World Cup a right-footed winger capable of playing on the left, .
Enzo Maresca’s system relies on wide players. Sancho had an opportunity to press his case and his talent has flickered at times. He contributed to Chelsea qualifying for the Champions League and scored when they beat Real Betis in the Conference League final last week.
Yet Sancho, who struggled after joining Manchester United from Dortmund in 2021, was unable to hold down a regular starting place and experienced a long dip in form after Christmas. Chelsea think Sancho is talented and have been impressed with his attitude but fear he is not consistent enough. They could not strike an agreement for the former Dortmund to sign on a lower salary in line with the club’s wage policy.
Returning to United leaves Sancho, who has a year on his contract, in an awkward position. He cut an unhappy figure after moving to Old Trafford four years ago and joined Dortmund on loan after clashing with Erik ten Hag. Sancho had joined Chelsea by the time United fired Ten Hag and hired Ruben Amorim last November. It remains to be seen whether Amorim would want to look at Sancho in pre-season. United are looking to refresh their squad and sell unwanted players after missing out on European qualification.
