AC Milan Chief Issues Stern Warning to Chelsea Over Mike Maignan Transfer Pursuit
AC Milan's sporting director Igli Tare has issued a firm statement to Chelsea, declaring that goalkeeper Mike Maignan will stay at the Italian club for the upcoming 2025–26 campaign.
The Blues had hoped to secure Maignan's signature ahead of the Club World Cup but were unsuccessful in reaching an agreement with Milan before the tournament commenced—a deadline Chelsea had set for themselves.
With Maignan entering the final year of his Milan contract, reports suggest the French goalkeeper has indicated to the Serie A club that he may depart as a free agent next summer, having shown interest in joining Chelsea.
Negotiations between the two clubs have now broken down, prompting Tare to reassure Milan supporters that Maignan will not be departing this transfer window.
"Maignan will not be leaving, he will remain at Milan for the next season as well," Tare stated. "There was interest from a Premier League team but ultimately no agreement could be reached.
"Understanding that Maignan serves as a cornerstone both on and off the field, we have chosen to build around him and move forward together.
"The transfer market is always unpredictable, but for us he continues to be a fundamental pillar of this squad. We must generate some excitement and for this purpose we are working to identify what improvements this team requires: all additions will be players who fit this vision to enhance the quality of an already formidable team."
Also present at the press conference was Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani, who confirmed they did not receive a satisfactory proposal for their goalkeeper.
"There was interest from an English team, but it was not deemed attractive," Furlani explained.
"Mike is a crucial player for Milan and he conducted himself professionally, as did his representative: there was receptiveness to this interest but simultaneously there was no pressure from their side. The outcomes will determine the medium and long-term prospects."
Chelsea are unlikely to attempt to alter Milan's position. Robert Sánchez continues as the first-choice goalkeeper under Enzo Maresca, who also has Filip Jörgensen available. Additionally, there is considerable optimism surrounding 19-year-old prospect Mike Penders.
Đorđe Petrović has also come back from a successful loan period with Strasbourg but, following his request to be excluded from the Club World Cup roster, is anticipated to make a permanent exit this summer along with Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is close to completing a transfer to Arsenal.