MX23RW : Thursday, October 31 23:21:34| >> :120:4154:4154:

Chelsea ready to up interest in AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan?

Chelsea ready to up interest in Mike Maignan?
© Reuters
Chelsea are reportedly contemplating whether to make a formal approach for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Chelsea are reportedly ready to make a formal approach for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

The Blues are currently well stocked for options between the sticks with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy having been competing for the number-one position and Gabriel Slonina viewed as a future first choice in the senior ranks.

However, as it stands, none of the those three names are expected to be the preferred choice of Mauricio Pochettino when the Premier League returns in August.

Each of Arrizabalaga and Mendy have been linked with transfers away from Stamford Bridge, whereas it is likely that United States Under-20 international Slonina will be allowed to go out on loan.

Although Chelsea are in need of raising funds as soon as possible in order to comply with FFP criteria, the West Londoners have been linked with a number of alternatives.

Andre Onana in action for Inter Milan on October 4, 2022© Reuters

Inter Milan Andre Onana is a possibility, providing that the Champions League finalists are open to a sale, while David Raya will be allowed to leave Brentford if they receive a bid in the region of £40m.

Nevertheless, according to L'Equipe, Chelsea are ready to up their interest in Maignan over the coming weeks.

The report says that Milan currently have no interest in parting ways with the France international, who possesses a contract until the end of 2025-26.

Maignan, who is 27 years of age, is regarded as an indispensable player having conceded just 59 goals during his 68 appearances since his arrival in 2021.

AC Milan's Rafael Leao celebrates scoring their first goal with Mike Maignan and teammates on February 13, 2022© Reuters

Milan have less need to cash in on one of their most prized assets courtesy of the prize money which comes from reaching this season's Champions League semi-finals and having qualified for next year's competition.

That said, much may depend on the size of any offer for a player who is likely to cost in excess of £40m if Milan are to contemplating a surprise sale.

Chelsea have the option of trying to include Ruben Loftus-Cheek in any proposal for Maignan, although if appears that changes behind the scenes have made it less likely that the midfielder will move to the club.

Officials at the two clubs have been in conversations over player transfers since October, yet it is unclear whether the recent upheaval at Milan will render those previous discussions irrelevant.

ID:515983:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4733:

Click here for more stories about Mike Maignan

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Cameroon's Andre Onana pictured on November 24, 2022
Read Next:
Chelsea 'reach agreement in principle with Andre Onana'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City97202091123
2Liverpool97111751222
3Arsenal95311710718
4Aston Villa95311611518
5Chelsea95221911817
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton94411612416
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest9441117416
8Tottenham HotspurSpurs94141810813
9Brentford94141818013
10Fulham93331212012
11Bournemouth93331111012
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle9333910-112
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham93241316-311
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd9324811-311
15Leicester CityLeicester92341317-49
16Everton92341016-69
17Crystal Palace9135611-56
18Ipswich TownIpswich9045920-114
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves90271225-132
20Southampton9018619-131


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!