Overview

• Several outlets report Chelsea passed on Gianluigi Donnarumma in the summer because they believe Mike Maignan remains attainable, and Donnarumma has since joined Manchester City.
• The Athletic reports Chelsea would not meet AC Milan’s £20–25m valuation for Maignan in the summer and are unlikely to recruit a goalkeeper in January to avoid blocking Mike Penders.
• TBR Football reports Chelsea are preparing a January bid for Maignan after talks in the summer failed to yield a deal despite personal terms being discussed.
• Maignan is under contract with Milan until June 2026, allowing him to sign a pre-contract with foreign clubs from January under Bosman rules.
• Pressure on the position has intensified following Robert Sanchez’s red card against Manchester United and Filip Jorgensen’s unconvincing cup display.