The French goalkeeper is on course to become a free agent at the end of the season, with no new deal currently in place at San Siro.
Negotiations over a lucrative extension running to 2029 collapsed earlier this year, when Milan withdrew from a package worth around €5million a season. That breakdown left Maignan’s future shrouded in doubt and opened the door for clubs ready to pounce.
Chelsea paid close attention.
The Blues gave Robert Sanchez the gloves this season, but they privately insist that the decision is far from long-term. The message from within Stamford Bridge is clear that if the right option presents itself, they will act.
Maignan has been high on their list all summer. Chelsea explored a deal before the Club World Cup, but talks stalled over the fee and Milan reintegrated their No.1.
Even then, it has seemed obvious that the position remained under scrutiny.
What raised eyebrows though has been Chelsea’s reluctance to pursue anyone else.
Gianluigi Donnarumma’s sudden availability was one such opportunity, but the Blues stood aside as he instead made the move to Manchester City. Insiders suggest that choice was no accident, with Chelsea keeping Maignan front and centre in their thinking for the future.
For Milan, there will be a need to address the situation. Max Allegri has fought to keep the 30-year-old as the cornerstone of his project, but with contract talks cold and Chelsea lurking, the Rossoneri may soon be forced into a decisive move.
If not, they risk watching one of Europe’s most dependable stoppers slip away to the Premier League.
