Chelsea could seal the signature of AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan within “a matter of weeks”, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

The Blues tried and failed to sign the 34-cap France international before the Club World Cup, and they subsequently opted against competing with Manchester City for Gianluigi Donnarumma or making a move for Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez. Speaking to Chelsea Chronicle, Bailey claimed that Enzo Maresca’s side are waiting to snap up Maignan on a free transfer instead:

“From what I see, I think there’s a very good chance it’ll be Maignan, and I think we were really probably a bit guilty of not reading the room really.”

“It’s like we did wonder publicly about why they’re not in for Donnarumma, why they’re not even in Emi Martinez when they try to sign Maignan in the summer, just a matter of weeks ago.”

“There’s our answer, isn’t it? The fact is, they still want Maignan; they’ll be able to sign a pre-contract in a matter of weeks.”

Negotiations with Maignan can start in the New Year

The 30-year-old’s contract with Milan expires at the end of the season, and Chelsea will be able to start talks directly with the player on January 1st.

Maignan has given no indication that he is interested in staying at the San Siro and all the signs point towards him leaving and seeking a new challenge elsewhere, with the Blues seemingly among the favourites to secure his services.

How does he compare to Chelsea’s current no.1?

If we assess their save percentages from league games last season, Robert Sanchez actually performed better, with the Spaniard saving 76.4% of shots faced to Maignan’s 70.6%.

In terms of goals conceded compared to post-shot xG, Sanchez comes out on top again with a score of +1.7 to Maignan’s -1.2.

Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here