A move for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan “is being considered” by Chelsea, according to the Daily Telegraph reporter Matt Law.

The reliable journalist claims that, despite the fact that manager Mauricio Pochettino is happy for Kepa Arrizabalaga to start as next season’s number one, the Blues’ recruitment team are still looking at potential replacements.

Maignan has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, although it is believed it could cost as much as €70m (£60m) to secure the shot-stopper’s services.

Milan are keen to keep hold of the Frenchman, who has been capped eight times at senior level. However, talks between the Rossoneri and the player over a new contract have reportedly collapsed following the sacking of director Paolo Maldini.

Intermediaries are believed to have been in contact with both Chelsea and Manchester United to indicate that Maignan would be open to a transfer this summer.

Chelsea may need to consider cheaper alternatives

If Maignan’s asking price is as high as £60m, the Blues may well seek out other targets due to the fact that the club will only have limited funds to spend this summer.

With £80m+ expected to be shelled out on Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, as well as the possibility of signing another midfielder and, potentially, a new number nine, a keeper is quite a long way down the list of priorities.

Other names that have been mentioned, such as Inter Milan’s Andre Onana (£51.5m), Brentford’s David Raya (£4om) and Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez (£40m), are unlikely to be much cheaper.

There is believed to be serious interest in Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili who could be available for a substantially lower amount than Maignan and the other options considered. However, a lot could depend on Pochettino. If he is prepared to work with Kepa then signing another goalkeeper may drop off the agenda completely.