Exclusive: How Manuel Neuer will dictate whether Mike Maignan signs for Chelsea
Chelsea’s potential move for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan will be directly impacted by Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Frenchman is out of contract at the end of the season, with several top clubs around Europe interested in securing his services.
Maignan could complete a move to Chelsea in the January transfer window, with Milan eager to cash in on the keeper rather than lose him for free in the summer.
However, the Blues will also have the chance to agree a pre-contract with the 30-year-old in the new year.
Manuel Neuer set to sign a new Bayern Munich contract
Along with Chelsea, Bayern Munich are in the race for Maignan and see him as a potential replacement for long-serving goalkeeper Neuer.
The German shot-stopper is now 39 years old and coming towards the end of a very successful career, with his contract also expiring at the end of the season.
However, sources say that Neuer is expected to agree a new one-year deal with Bayern Munich, which will keep him with the Bundesliga champions for another 12 months.
If the World Cup winner does extend his contract, then Bayern are unlikely to continue their pursuit of Maignan, which would be a huge boost to Chelsea’s chances of signing the France international.
Chelsea will be in crowded race for Mike Maignan
Despite the fact that Bayern could be set to abandon their pursuit of Maignan, the race for the AC Milan keeper is still expected to be a crowded one.
The chance to secure one of Europe’s best shot-stoppers on a free transfer, or even for a cut price, does not come around very often, so there will be a number of clubs interested.
Manchester United are one side that have been linked with Maignan, despite signing Senne Lammens over the summer.
However, Chelsea will remain confident that they can convince the 30-year-old to move to Stamford Bridge and solve their goalkeeping issues once and for all.
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