Chelsea 'confident' of securing free transfer after talks stalled

Chelsea could still make a move for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan despite moving on from the shot-stopper over the summer. The Blues could not agree terms with the Serie A giants when the transfer window was open but appear alert to the situation with Maignan's contract already in its final months.

Chelsea's firstapproach came at the beginning of June as they looked to act on their long-term target, but Milan were reluctant to lose the French international. They set an asking price of £25 million, something Chelsea were unwilling to meet.

The west London side were in no rush to come to an agreement andwere content with the goalkeeping options of Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen. While former Brighton ace Sanchez has appeared to provide a more solid presence in recent months, his position has come under a great deal of scrutiny in his Chelsea career.

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And the prospect of a free transfer is appealing to the Blues ahead of Maignan's contract running down next summer. The goalkeeper has backed away from talks over a new deal at the San Siro and the Chelsea chiefs are 'confident' of a move, according to reports from TBR Football.

It also claims that the appointment of Massimiliano Allegrihelped to persuade Maignan to stay put in Milan over the summer. The head coach quickly confirmed Maignan would remain captain and identified the goalkeeper remaining as key part in his decision to join Milan.

But with no sign of fresh terms being agreed to keep Maignan in Italy, theBlues will soon have the opportunity to press their case once again. From January, the 30-year-old will be permitted to speak to other clubs and sign pre-contract agreement for a move as he enters the final six months of his deal.

Blues boss Enzo Maresca was asked about the possibility of signing Maignan earlier in the summer. It was not something he gave any consideration to.

"The keeper situation is simple," Maresca said. "Robert is No.1, Filip is No.2, and we will analyse and judge [Mike] Penders [who has joined Strasbourg on a season-long loan deal].

"Maignan and different players at other clubs - I don't think it is worth talking about them."

Maignan joined Milan in 2021 having spent his youth career at Paris Saint-Germain before moving to LIlle. He arrived for a figure in the region of £13m as a replacement for Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The Italian goalkeeper was another option who became available this summer as he departed PSG for Manchester City. Donnarumma was also in the final year of his deal and failed to agree terms with the Ligue 1 side before completing a £26m transfer.

Chelsea appeared to have little interest in adding to the number of suitors eyeing up Donnarumma before he arrived at the Etihad. It seems the club are instead prepared to be patient to strengthen the position.