Chelsea secured their place in next season's UEFA Champions League after finishing the 2024/25 Premier League season in 4th place, fulfilling expectations after a very irregular start to the season. In addition, Enzo Maresca's side won the UEFA Conference League trophy with a 100% record, but the Blues are not satisfied with their defensive system and vow to rectify this problem with their goalkeeper.
Reports in recent hours indicate that Chelsea have expressed a strong interest in signing goalkeeper Mike Maignan to replace Robert Sánchez. The 29-year-old has been Milan's first-choice goalkeeper since arriving in 2021 from Lille, having signed a five-year contract with the Italians. Since then, he has become a reference point in the Serie A team with his leadership and excellent saves.
Maignan has also become the first choice in France's line-up since the retirement of Hugo Lloris in January 2023. Considering the reports, the signing is very much on the cards given Maignan's desire to play in the Premier League and the upcoming UEFA Champions League, a competition in which Milan failed to qualify.
Maignan's arrival would be essential for Chelsea to have a reliable player in the goalkeeper position, with a veteran whose great quality is long passes, as well as coming off his line frequently, fitting in with the aggressive style of play adopted by Enzo Maresca, who will remain in charge next season.
Robert Sánchez is another goalkeeper who has failed at Chelsea
Chelsea have had problems finding a reliable option in the goalkeeper position since they bought Kepa Arrizabalaga in 2018 for £71 million, which remains the world record fee for a goalkeeper.
Two years later, they brought in Edouard Mendy, who ended up leaving the Blues to join Al-Hilal in 2023, while Kepa has spent the last few seasons on loan at Real Madrid and then Bournemouth. In the last two years, the Blues have also signed Robert Sanchez, Djordje Petrovic and Filip Jorgensen, but the club doesn't seem to be convinced by any of the three.