Chelsea are ready to pull the plug on their move for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan if a deal isn’t sealed by Tuesday evening, according to Sky Sports chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol.
The Blues have been locked in negotiations with the Rossoneri over the past couple of weeks, but are growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress.
Chelsea have already had multiple bids for the France international turned down by Milan.
They recently submitted a £12.6 million bid, but it was rejected almost immediately, with Milan holding out for at least £21m.
Chelsea weren’t fazed by rejection, and they’ve shown they’re ready to play the long game.
There was a belief that both sides could find common ground for a fee of around £15m, but Milan have refused to budge on their initial valuation.
There’s only a minor gap in valuation, but both sides are unwilling to move. Chelsea are ready to walk away if nothing is finalised by Tuesday’s deadline.
Enzo Maresca is a fan of goalkeepers who are as good with their feet as they are at shot-stopping. It’s why he backed Robert Sanchez throughout last season.
However, he has also emphasised the need for Chelsea to add a few experienced players to their youthful squad, and Maignan ticks that box.
If Chelsea can’t agree a deal for Maignan, Maresca may need to choose from the options currently at his disposal.
After an outstanding campaign with RC Strasbourg last season, Djordje Petrovic was expected to return and stake a claim for a first-team spot at Chelsea.
However, Chelsea could be forced to cut him or Sanchez loose if Milan finally shift their stance on Maignan.
Maignan’s contract runs until 2026, and he has shown no interest in penning a new deal. Milan could lose him for free next summer, but they’re refusing to be backed into a corner.
