Chelsea’s deal for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan has seemingly collapsed on the first Deadline Day of the transfer window, as they could not agree on a price in time for the Club World Cup.
After securing a top-four finish in the Premier League and winning the UEFA Conference League title, Chelsea are looking for even more success next season.
Although they achieved all their goals for the season, Chelsea fans believe that with a few more improvements, they could be a true contender in the top flight next season.
However, one of their main targets in the early stages of the window is seemingly not on his way to the capital, as the deal has reportedly broken down at the last hour.
Maignan to Chelsea Is Off?
According to Fabrizio Romano, AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan will not be joining Chelsea, as a deal could not be completed before tonight’s Club World Cup deadline.
Chelsea wanted Maignan to be a part of their squad for the upcoming tournament, but they did not want to pay the extra fee that AC Milan were demanding.
The Blues have been keen on Maignan for a while, but it is now very unlikely he will join the London unit, even after the transfer window reopens.
A Big Loss for Chelsea?
Maignan has been one of the very best keepers in Europe for a long time now, and if Chelsea were able to add him to their ranks, it would’ve been a big move for the club.
Robert Sanchez was their number one throughout this campaign, and although he was solid for the Blues, many fans and pundits believe they may need to improve on him if they want to compete with Europe’s elite.
Now that a deal for Maignan is off, manager Enzo Maresca has to make the decision to trust their large goalkeeping room or find another player to become their number one.
Who Will Be Number One Next Season?
As aforementioned, Chelsea have a wealth of goalkeeping options going into next season already.
With Sanchez, Djordje Petrovic, Lucas Bergstrom, and many more goalkeepers already at the club, there will certainly be a lot of competition for the role during the Club World Cup and pre-season.
Although Sanchez had the role last season, the form of Petrovic on loan at Strasbourg this season could be enough to see him get opportunities for Chelsea next season.