Chelsea make FINAL decision on signing Mike Maignan in 2026

Tom Weber
Tom Weber
  • Updated: 7 Oct 2025 20:52 BST
  • 4 min read
Mike Maignan, AC Milan, 2025/26
© IMAGO

Chelsea will not sign a new goalkeeper for at least the next two transfer windows, effectively ending any chance of a move for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, according to a report.

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The Blues explored a move for the France international in the summer as they felt that he was a market opportunity too good to pass up on due to his contract situation.

Maignan's current deal with AC Milan expires in 2026, and there have been no suggestions that he is willing to extend beyond next year. Chelsea, therefore, thought that he could be signed for a reasonable price in the bygone window.

Current ETV
Player image Mike Maignan
Mike Maignan

GK

Milan logo

Milan

Mike Maignan
Mike Maignan

GK

Milan

Milan

€15.5M

ETV Range

€13.9M - €17M

However, the Rossoneri dug their heels in and demanded as much as €30 million for the 30-year-old, which Chelsea were not prepared to pay. After having two bids for around half of his price tag rejected, the Stamford Bridge club left the talks.

Since then, reports have continually linked Chelsea with a fresh move for Maignan in 2026, given that their No.1 Robert Sanchez has divided the club's fanbase with his erratic performances.

Chelsea won't sign a new goalkeeper

However, according to Sky Sports, Chelsea are not planning to sign a new goalkeeper in January or the summer as things stand. They feel that they have more than enough options already at their disposal, and Sanchez has looked improved so far this term.

Youngster Mike Penders is currently impressing on loan at sister club Strasbourg and is fully expected to compete for the starting role between the sticks when he returns to West London next summer.

Chelsea have high hopes for Mike Penders
© IMAGO - Chelsea have high hopes for Mike Penders

Chelsea are also keeping their faith in current No.2 Filip Jorgensen, who impressed in his early performances but subsequently struggled when afforded rare opportunities.

The current plan is not to revisit a deal for Maignan next year, despite his availability on a free transfer and the fact that he had already agreed terms with Chelsea in the summer just gone.

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