Chelsea await Mike Maignan decision as AC Milan set €40-50m asking price

Chelsea remain firmly interested in AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan as uncertainty continues to surround the France international's future at the San Siro.

The Blues came close to signing the experienced shot-stopper last summer before then-manager Massimiliano Allegri convinced him to remain in Italy. However, a turbulent year at Milan has significantly altered the landscape, potentially reopening the door to a transfer.

With the goalkeeper now weighing up his options, Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs waiting for a final decision.

Reports from Italy suggest Chelsea continue to monitor Maignan closely and could revive their pursuit if the player decides to leave Milan this summer.

The French international has reportedly been reassessing his future following Milan's failure to qualify for the Champions League and a series of major changes behind the scenes at the club.

Massimiliano Allegri, CEO Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare and technical director Geoffrey Moncada have all departed, creating uncertainty around the club's direction.

Those developments have led Maignan to consider his next move, with his representative Jonathan Kebe already working behind the scenes should a transfer become a realistic possibility.

Having followed Chelsea's goalkeeping situation throughout the season, it is no surprise to see the club linked with an elite-level option. Questions have persisted regarding the long-term solution between the posts despite Robert Sánchez retaining the number one role.

While Milan would prefer to keep Maignan, reports indicate they are willing to listen to offers if a sufficiently attractive proposal arrives.

The Serie A club are believed to value the goalkeeper between €40 million and €50 million and are not expected to entertain bids below that range.

Maignan remains under contract until 2031, meaning Milan retain a strong negotiating position despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.

The final decision is expected to arrive after France's World Cup campaign, by which point Milan should have completed the process of appointing a new management structure and head coach.

That timeline explains why interested clubs are currently monitoring the situation rather than submitting immediate offers.

Chelsea are not alone in tracking developments.

Italian reports suggest Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus are also keeping a close watch on Maignan's situation, although neither club has submitted a formal proposal.

Chelsea and Tottenham are both described as having concrete interest, with suggestions that exploratory discussions could intensify over the coming weeks if the player signals a willingness to move.

Juventus remain interested but could face financial challenges depending on their summer budget and squad plans.

For now, the race remains open.

Any move for Maignan would have significant consequences for Chelsea's existing goalkeeping department.

Robert Sánchez remained first choice last season, with Filip Jørgensen operating as backup. However, Jørgensen's future has already been questioned after comments from Denmark manager Brian Riemer suggested the goalkeeper should consider his options.

The arrival of Maignan could also affect the futures of Mike Penders and Đorđe Petrović, both of whom spent the season away from Stamford Bridge on loan.

Chelsea would likely need to make important decisions regarding several goalkeepers if they proceed with a move for the Frenchman.

However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions until Maignan makes a final decision on his future.

The immediate focus remains on Maignan's participation with France at the World Cup. Once the tournament concludes, discussions regarding his club future are expected to accelerate.

Chelsea are likely to remain attentive throughout that process and could move quickly if the goalkeeper indicates a desire to leave Milan. The coming weeks should provide much greater clarity regarding whether the Blues will finally secure a player they came close to signing a year ago.

Should Chelsea invest up to €50m in Mike Maignan, or would a younger goalkeeper represent a better long-term solution?