By Rorisang Modiba
- Chelsea track AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan as contract talks stall in Italy, putting Robert Sánchez under pressure despite his seven clean sheets this season.
- Chelsea also rate Mike Penders, but signing Maignan could block the young keeper’s path after his five clean sheets on loan at Strasbourg.
Chelsea are eyeing AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan — and it’s making life awkward for the two goalkeepers already on their books.
Robert Sánchez has played every Premier League game for Chelsea this season and kept seven clean sheets. But according to reports, insiders at the club still think his position is far from secure.
Chelsea’s interest in Maignan, a 30-year-old French international, has been reignited. If his contract talks with Milan fail, Chelsea are expected to pounce. Maignan’s current deal ends next year.
Chelsea had tried to sign him in the last transfer window but pulled out when Milan asked for more than they were willing to pay. Milan have now offered Maignan a new deal said to be worth around €5 million a year. But Chelsea can top that easily if they decide he’s their long-term number one.
Maignan is reportedly happy in Italy, so salary alone may not sway him.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old Mike Penders — on loan at Strasbourg — is quietly impressing. He has five clean sheets in 12 Ligue 1 games. Chelsea rate him highly and don’t want to block his progress.
Still, Maignan’s possible arrival puts both Sánchez and Penders in a tough spot. For now, Chelsea are watching closely to see what Milan do next.
In the Champions League, Chelsea’s 3–0 win over Barcelona came with drama of its own.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said Ronald Araujo’s red card turned the game. The defender was sent off just before half-time for a wild tackle on Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella. Chelsea were already 1–0 up — and they made their extra man count, scoring two more in the second half.
Flick wasn’t fuming though. “With the red card, everything changed,” he said. “It wasn’t easy with 10 men. We have to accept the result, but I’m still optimistic.”
Barcelona couldn’t recover after losing Araujo, and Chelsea buried them.
Chelsea are chasing Milan’s top goalkeeper — and it’s piling pressure on the ones they already have.
Chelsea are watching Maignan closely and could make a big-money offer if his Milan contract talks collapse.
Sánchez and Penders are both under threat, while Barcelona were left reeling after a red card helped Chelsea thump them 3–0.
Pictured above: Chelsea team.
Image source: @chelseafc
