Chelsea to reignite interest in ‘incredible’ player after summer transfer collapsed
Chelsea are planning to reignite their interest in one of their summer transfer targets after failing to get a deal over the line before the window closed.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Enzo Maresca is already making long-term plans to improve his squad.
AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan remains a target for Chelsea as they aim to strengthen in goal, despite having missed out on a summer move for his signature.
Chelsea saw an initial £10million bid turn down by Milan in June, as they stood firm on their £20million valuation with the Blues eyeing a deal before the Club World Cup.
The France international, dubbed “incredible” by his manager Didier Deschamps [via Breaking News], now has less than 12 months remaining on his deal and could move for free.
Chelsea plan to reignite interest in Mike Maignan
Brown told Football Insider in June that Chelsea planned to reach a compromise with Milan but the clubs ultimately remained to far apart in their valuations.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted the Blues are now preparing to reignite their interest in 2026.
“Chelsea know what areas of the team they want to improve,” he told Football Insider.
“We know they’re not afraid to keep spending money, if they think there’s a player who can improve their side, they’re going to go for him.
“From what I hear, the manager is still keen to strengthen key areas of his team and they’ve been looking at goalkeepers who could potentially come in.
“He wants to improve defensively to stop conceding so many goals, and that’s one way of doing it.
“Maignan is one they’ve been doing their due diligence on, and their scouts have been watching and keeping an eye on how he’s been playing for AC Milan.
“Then, if they feel he’s a significant improvement on Sanchez and the other goalkeepers they’ve got, they’ll go ahead and make a move for him.
“Obviously they wanted him in the summer and that didn’t quite work out, but with his contract expiring they know they can bring him in on a free so they don’t have to worry about agreeing a deal with Milan like they did before.”
The Blues have not been shy when it comes to bringing new players to the club, and remain keen to upgrade in every position including between the sticks.
Enzo Maresca’s January transfer plans revealed
Brown told Football Insider on 17 September that Chelsea have joined the race to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace as they aim to improve their defensive options.
Given the abundance of forwards available for selection at Stamford Bridge, they have now set their sights on tightening up their defensive unit.
Guehi has now emerged as one of their top targets to strengthen at the back, with the position still a priority given their current lack of depth.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Maignan comes alongside their new priority target, with upgrades in goal seen as key to improving their stability at the back.
The Blues have kept two clean sheets so far this season, against Crystal Palace and Fulham, both of whom had goals controversially disallowed, and Maresca is concerned about his options.
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