Chelsea switch falls aside on deadline day in blow to Enzo Maresca Club World Cup plans
Chelsea were fighting to get a key signing over the line before the transfer window slams shut on Tuesday but the deal has reportedly collapsed in the final hours
Chelsea’s bid to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan has reportedly fallen through just hours before tonight’s deadline.
Football clubs across the nation are in a frenzy to finalise deals before the transfer window shuts for a six-day period. Chelsea have already secured Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr ahead of the forthcoming Club World Cup.
The Blues had also set their sights on Maignan as their new first-choice goalkeeper, with Robert Sanchez finding it hard to secure a regular starting position. The west London club aimed to seal the deal before tonight’s deadline so that Maignan could be part of their Club World Cup squad.
However, a last-minute twist has reportedly dashed their hopes of landing his signature. Chelsea have declined to meet AC Milan’s asking price and will not sign Maignan before the Club World Cup, reports Fabrizio Romano.
Although the deal is said to have been abandoned, the Blues might choose to revive their pursuit post-tournament, reports the Express.
The report further suggests that Chelsea felt they were being pressured to pay a ‘Club World Cup tax’ to bring Maignan to Stamford Bridge. Consequently, they’ve decided to withdraw from negotiations.
Enzo Maresca is reported to ‘maintain full trust’ in his existing goalkeepers despite Chelsea’s unsuccessful attempt to sign Maignan. Sky Sport Italia reports that they initially put forward a £12.6million bid which included various top-ups and additional bonuses.
Chelsea’s initial offer was promptly turned down by AC Milan, who reportedly value Maignan at around £21m. A revised bid of approximately £18m was allegedly put forward on Monday night, but the Italian heavyweights were not prepared to settle for less.
Maignan is only contracted at the San Siro until the summer of 2026, suggesting it would be logical for AC Milan to offload him this summer. If he remains, there’s a risk he could depart on a free transfer when his current contract runs out.
Consequently, Chelsea might choose to play the waiting game and hope that AC Milan eventually opt to cash in. If he doesn’t extend his contract, the Blues will have the opportunity to negotiate a pre-contract agreement from the beginning of January.
Chelsea are also said to be pursuing Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens ahead of tonight’s deadline. As per RMC Sport, personal terms have already been agreed with the former Manchester City youngster keen to make the switch to Stamford Bridge.
He’s reported to have given the thumbs up to a seven-year deal, but discussions at club level continue. Gittens is under contract until the summer of 2028, meaning Dortmund are not obliged to sell unless their conditions are met.
