The west London club are looking to secure a new No.1 this summer, with both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy expected to leave if suitable offers are received.
Senegalese shot-stopper Mendy enjoyed an excellent first season with the Blues, helping them win the Champions League, but lost his place this season to Kepa – though the Spaniard underwhelmed and committed a number of errors.
New boss Mauricio Pochettino feels a new goalkeeper is required and, alongside a new midfielder and striker, sees the position as one of three key areas that must be addressed this summer.
Chelsea have been heavily linked with Inter’s Andre Onana as well as Brentford keeper David Raya, but now a new name has emerged on their radar.
According to French newspaper L’Equipe, the west Londoners have initiated contact with Milan over Maignan, who enjoyed a superb second half of the season after recovering from injury.
There is a feeling that the Frenchman might be disillusioned at San Siro following the sacking of Paolo Maldini, with the keeper posting two photos of himself alongside the Milan legend on Instagram with the words ‘Sempre Milan’ – Always Milan – accompanied by a question mark and ‘eyes’ emoji.
Maldini had been in talks with Maignan’s agents over a new deal for the 27-year-old, but that is now thought to have been put on the backburner following the Italian’s exit.
However, while Maignan may be disappointed by the nature of Maldini’s exit, L’Equipe’s report says Milan’s hierarchy have no intention of letting him leave and will rebuff Chelsea’s interest.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, it is ‘absolutely impossible’ for Milan to even consider selling Maignan for a rumoured €45million (£38.5m) fee, and it would likely take an offer in excess of €60m (£51m) for them to countenance a sale.
Milan only paid around £13m for Maignan when they signed him from Lille in 2021 and he has performed superbly for the club ever since.
Both a brilliant shot-stopper and excellent with his feet, the Frenchman – who has succeeded Hugo Lloris as his nation’s number one – helped Milan win the Scudetto in his first season with the club and was exceptional en route to the Champions League semi-final this year.
A move for Inter’s Onana is likely to be a more realistic target for Chelsea, though any deal will have to wait until after Saturday night’s Champions League final.
MORE : Mateo Kovacic nears Chelsea exit after agreeing personal terms with Manchester City
MORE : Chelsea owners release statement insisting they are ‘committed’ to delivering long-term success after dismal season
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Football News Click Here
