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News
- 36 minutes ago
Chelsea transfer decision CONFIRMED as Romano announces 'verbal agreement'
Cameron Smith
- 25 Jan 2026 09:56 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Mike Maignan has reached a “verbal agreement” over a new contract at AC Milan, ending speculation of a move to Chelsea in the process.
The France international was widely tipped to complete a Stamford Bridge switch before the Club World Cup last year, however the Blues were unwilling to match Milan’s €30 million asking price and a deal failed to materialise.
Current ETV
Mike Maignan
GK
Milan
Mike Maignan
GK
Milan
ETV Range
€15.7M - €19.1M
The west London giants instead opted to retain faith in Robert Sanchez as their first choice goalkeeper, although rumours they could rekindle their pursuit of Maignan have persisted over the past few months.
Despite this, it has been reported that Chelsea want to prioritise the development of Mike Penders, who is currently on loan at Strasbourg and could challenge Sanchez for the number one spot at Stamford Bridge next season.
As a result, their interest in Maignan has waned in recent times and it appears as though he is now set to sign fresh terms at Milan rather than join Chelsea in 2026.
That is according to football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano, who posted on X: “AC Milan and Mike Maignan reach verbal agreement over new deal until June 2031!
“Formal steps to follow but deal in place for French GK who was out of contract in June 2026. Huge move for Milan with Maignan seen as key player.”
Mike Maignan to stay at AC Milan
Maignan was regarded as Chelsea’s top goalkeeper target and the Blues now seem unlikely to dip into the market for a new shot-stopper in 2026.
Sanchez is instead expected to keep his place as the preferred option in between the sticks for the moment, while a pathway has emerged for Penders to eventually usurp the Spaniard after his spell at Strasbourg concludes.
Although landing a new goalkeeper isn’t on the cards, Chelsea are set to pursue a central defender and a central midfielder this year, with talks ongoing over January deals for Jeremy Jacquet and Douglas Luiz.
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