Chelsea Submit €15m Bid for AC Milan’s Mike Maignan as Transfer Deadline Looms
Chelsea Football Club have made a bold move in the transfer market, submitting a €15m bid for AC Milan’s star goalkeeper Mike Maignan, according to recent reports. The Premier League giants are pushing to secure the services of the French international before the Club World Cup transfer window closes on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. With negotiations entering a critical phase, all eyes are on AC Milan, who hold the final say in whether the deal will go through.
Maignan, widely regarded as one of Europe’s top goalkeepers, has been a long-term target for Chelsea, who are looking to bolster their squad ahead of the expanded Club World Cup. The 29-year-old has been instrumental for Milan since joining from Lille in 2021, playing a key role in their 2021-22 Serie A title triumph. His commanding presence, exceptional shot-stopping ability, and proficiency in playing out from the back make him an ideal fit for Chelsea’s tactical setup under their current management.
However, the €15m offer has reportedly been met with resistance from AC Milan, who value Maignan significantly higher, with figures between €25m and €30m being cited. Sources indicate that an initial bid, potentially the same €15m offer, was rejected outright as it fell well below Milan’s €20m minimum threshold. With Maignan’s contract set to expire in 2026, the Italian club faces a delicate balancing act: cash in now or risk losing him for a lower fee or even on a free transfer in the near future.
Negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming days, with Chelsea reportedly preparing a final “make or break” offer early this week. This could include performance-related add-ons to bridge the valuation gap and persuade Milan to part ways with their prized asset. The urgency of the situation is amplified by Chelsea’s desire to finalize the deal before the Club World Cup window shuts, ensuring Maignan is available for their upcoming campaign.
Adding intrigue to the saga is Maignan’s apparent preference for a move to Stamford Bridge. Reports suggest the goalkeeper is keen to join Chelsea, drawn by the prospect of competing in the Premier League and the club’s ambitious project. This could put additional pressure on Milan to negotiate, as Maignan’s reluctance to extend his contract may weaken their bargaining position.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Maignan comes as part of their broader strategy to strengthen key positions. The club has been linked with several high-profile players this transfer window, but securing a goalkeeper of Maignan’s caliber would be a significant coup. His experience, leadership, and proven track record at both club and international levels—he has 14 caps for France and was part of their Euro 2020 squad—make him a prime candidate to solidify Chelsea’s defense.
For AC Milan, the decision is fraught with complexity. Maignan is not only a key player but also a fan favorite, and his departure could disrupt their plans for the upcoming season. The Rossoneri have already begun exploring potential replacements, with names like Wojciech Szczęsny and Emiliano Martínez being floated as possible targets should Maignan leave. However, replacing a goalkeeper of his quality will be no easy task, and Milan will likely hold firm on their valuation to maximize their return.
