One thing Chelsea do not have at the moment is too many ‘world-class’ players. On their day, the likes of Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Reece James belong in that category. One could make an argument for Enzo Fernandez and Joao Pedro as well. But overall, they do not have anybody who continues to operate at that level on a consistent basis.
Anyways, this summer transfer window does provide Chelsea the opportunity to rectify that mistake. And it looks like they could be handed a second chance to bring in someone they tried and failed to last summer.
Let’s turn the clock back to before the Club World Cup. It had looked like Chelsea were eager to sign a goalkeeper to replace Robert Sanchez. And reports even suggested that they had agreed personal terms with Mike Maignan.
A move did not happen. But now, it looks like that opportunity could be back on the table. According to Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), there are concerns that Maignan isn’t happy with AC Milan’s direction. They confirm Chelsea’s interest but there is no concrete sign about whether a formal move will be made.
Chelsea linked with move for Mike Maignan again
The same report suggests that Bayern Munich are also interested. Once again, it remains to be seen if the Bavarian giants will make an offer or not.
It is safe to say that the situation would have been a lot simpler for Chelsea if Maignan had not agreed an extension with AC Milan. But he did, which means that his future is not completely in his hands.
If Chelsea want to sign Maignan, they would need to agree a transfer fee with AC Milan. Will they be able to do that? Would they even be willing to?
Only Robert Sanchez leaving would make Mike Maignan move plausible
Sanchez remains the number one at Chelsea. Filip Jorgensen looks set to leave this summer. And there have been suggestions that his spot will go to Mike Penders.
It makes sense. Penders has done very well on loan at Strasbourg. Now, it might be time to hand him the cup goalkeeper spot and take his development to the next level.
If Maignan is signed at this point in time, there simply would not be a pathway for Penders. Unless Sanchez ends up leaving.
Then again, even if Sanchez does leave, it would mean that Chelsea would sign Maignan, who will turn 31 next month, for a year or two, if Penders’ development goes according to plan.
Obviously, many will also question whether it would be wise to pass up on the chance to sign a world-class goalkeeper in hopes that a 20-year-old will develop into a starter someday. That is a decision that the board will need to make.
