Chelsea agree deal to sign Mike Maignan from AC Milan – Reports
Chelsea have reportedly agreed a deal with AC Milan to sign Mike Maignan. The two clubs are set to complete the paperwork within the next 36 hours as the Blues rush to seal the deal before the window closes.
Chelsea have negotiated their way to a €18 million fee for Mike Maignan, as per reports in the Gazzetta dello Sport. The AC Milan goalkeeper is keen on a move to the Premier League side and pushed for the transfer.
The Italian publication reports that the two sides were miles apart in their valuation of the club but have now managed to agree terms. The Serie A side wanted €30 million, while the UEFA Conference League winners valued him at €10 million.
The Blues opened the bidding at €15 million, but the Italian side swiftly rebuffed it. They wanted to buy time for incoming manager Max Allegri to get the Frenchman to stay, but he was set on a move to the Premier League.
The goalkeeper has just a year left on his contract and informed the club that he would not be signing a new deal, which forced the Serie A side to reduce their asking price and negotiate with Chelsea. They have now agreed to a €15 million deal, which was initially rejected, but with an additional €3 million in bonus, as reported in Gazzetta.
Maignan is expected to sign a long-term deal at Stamford Bridge after Enzo Maresca pushed for the move. Robert Sanchez is set to be replaced as the #1 at the club, but a decision on his future is yet to be made.
The Spaniard will now be battling Djorde Petrovic and Filip Jorgensen for the #2 role at the club. However, all three goalkeepers are currently on the market and could leave the club permanently for the right offer.
Strasbourg could be the next destination for Petrovic, though he has interest from the Premier League and AS Monaco. Chelsea are also looking to get a good loan move set for Mike Penders, who is highly rated at the club.
Genk are keen on re-signing him on loan, while a move to Strasbourg is not ruled out if Petrovic moves elsewhere.
