Man Utd target shock deal for Chelsea's dream signing

Cameron Smith

Updated: 23 Sept 2025 18:20 BST
4 min read

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Mike Maignan next summer and they could potentially hijack Chelsea’s proposed deal for the AC Milan goalkeeper.

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Maignan, 30, is out of contract in 2026 and he has been widely tipped to finally complete a move to Stamford Bridge on a Bosman deal after failing to join Enzo Maresca’s side this year.

Current ETV

Mike Maignan

Milan

Mike Maignan

Milan

ETV Range

€13.9M - €17M

Chelsea were expected to sign Maignan during the pre-Club World Cup transfer window, but they were unwilling to match Milan’s €30 million asking price and the deal collapsed, with the Blues instead retaining faith in Robert Sanchez.

However, recent reports from Italy speculate that Chelsea have already agreed terms with Maignan over a deal for next summer as they desperately look to bolster their options in between the sticks.

Despite this, Man Utd have now entered the race for the Frenchman’s signature, according to a report from talkSPORT.

Ruben Amorim’s side completed the signing of Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp on Transfer Deadline Day, however he is yet to feature for his new club and the Red Devils are reportedly eager to sign a more experienced number one to ease the pressure on the Belgian shot-stopper.

Maignan is regarded as a prime candidate given he will be available on a free transfer in 2026, and Man Utd are now weighing up a potential move for the 30-year-old.

© IMAGO - Mike Maignan has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Man Utd

Chelsea to sign Mike Maignan?

Although Man Utd are set to compete for Maignan’s signature next year, Chelsea remain the frontrunners to sign him on a Bosman deal after advanced negotiations with the France international over personal terms.

Maresca is eager to sign a replacement for the aforementioned Sanchez, as widely reported in recent weeks, and Maignan is seen as the perfect player to bolster Chelsea’s goalkeeper roster.

However, at 30 years old, he falls outside of Chelsea’s preferred age range for signings and the club could feasibly opt against targeting a deal next summer if Mike Penders continues to impress during his loan spell at sister club Strasbourg.

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