Chelsea reignite Mike Maignan interest as AC Milan future comes under threat

Chelsea could be handed another opportunity to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan this summer after fresh reports in Italy suggested the France international is reconsidering his future at San Siro.

The Blues came close to securing Maignan's signature last year before a combination of managerial changes and contract negotiations convinced the goalkeeper to remain in Milan. However, circumstances at the club have changed dramatically since then, potentially reopening the door to a transfer.

With Milan enduring a disappointing 2025/26 campaign and missing out on Champions League qualification, questions are once again being raised about Maignan's long-term future.

According to reports from Italy, Maignan is increasingly frustrated by recent developments at Milan and could actively seek a move away from the club.

The goalkeeper had been persuaded to stay last summer largely due to the influence of former manager Massimiliano Allegri and goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi. Both played a key role in convincing him to reject interest from Chelsea and commit his future to the Rossoneri.

Since then, however, both Allegri and Filippi have departed, removing two of the figures most closely linked to Maignan's decision to remain in Italy.

As a result, Chelsea have reportedly re-emerged as a potential destination should the player decide to push for a transfer.

Milan now face a situation that could become increasingly difficult to manage.

Although Maignan signed a contract extension running until 2031, the club may still consider a sale if the goalkeeper formally expresses a desire to leave. Given his status as one of the squad's highest earners, any substantial offer would also generate a significant financial return.

Reports suggest Milan are aware of the player's dissatisfaction and are monitoring developments closely while he focuses on international duties at the World Cup.

Having followed Milan's struggles throughout the second half of last season, the club's failure to secure Champions League football has created uncertainty around several key players, and Maignan appears to be among those assessing their options.

Chelsea are not alone in tracking the goalkeeper's future.

Italian reports indicate that Bayern Munich are also interested in Maignan, although there is currently no indication that the Bundesliga giants are preparing a formal bid.

For now, neither club has made a concrete move, but both are believed to be monitoring developments should the player's position at Milan continue to weaken.

That leaves the door open for a potential transfer battle if Maignan formally requests an exit.

While Maignan remains one of Europe's most accomplished goalkeepers when fully fit, any move would carry certain risks.

The French international has experienced injury problems in recent seasons, particularly muscle-related issues that have caused him to miss significant periods of action. There have also been occasional high-profile errors, especially during the 2024/25 campaign, which led to criticism in Italy.

At 30 years old, Maignan would also command a substantial transfer fee and a significant salary package.

However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions regarding Chelsea's intentions. The club may ultimately decide that investing in a younger goalkeeper better aligns with their long-term recruitment strategy.

Much will depend on whether Maignan formally communicates his desire to leave Milan following the World Cup. Should that happen, interested clubs are likely to intensify their monitoring and assess the financial conditions of a possible deal.

Chelsea's position will become clearer as their summer recruitment plans develop, while Milan must decide whether retaining an unhappy player is preferable to accepting a potentially lucrative offer. The goalkeeper's future remains one of the more intriguing situations to watch in the coming weeks.

Would Mike Maignan solve Chelsea's goalkeeping issues, or should the club focus on signing a younger long-term option instead?