Chelsea Target PSG Star in Shock Contract Standoff Drama
Chelsea are reportedly maintaining their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, according to recent claims, as discussions regarding the Italian's contract extension with the Champions League holders remain stagnant.
The London club openly expressed their desire to acquire a new goalkeeper during the summer transfer window when their attempt to secure AC Milan's Mike Maignan fell through. Manager Enzo Maresca publicly backed current number one Robert Sánchez and deputy Filip Jörgensen throughout their successful Club World Cup campaign.
The pursuit of Maignan was reportedly more about capitalizing on his contract situation rather than an urgent need to strengthen the goalkeeping position, and L'Équipe suggests a similar approach is being taken with Donnarumma.
The 26-year-old enters the final season of his existing deal and wishes to stay at PSG, but several major hurdles remain in contract extension discussions. Donnarumma is reportedly the sole remaining squad member on terms agreed prior to Luis Campos's appointment, which introduced a significant shift in salary structure.
Campos has negotiated performance-based deals for players—similar to Chelsea's approach—while Donnarumma's current agreement features a substantial guaranteed weekly salary. PSG's attempts to persuade their goalkeeper to accept the new structure have thus far been unsuccessful.
This deadlock seems to have attracted Chelsea's attention, with the same publication identifying them as serious contenders in multiple reports.
PSG are not anticipated to actively seek Donnarumma's departure based on the current circumstances, though the Ligue 1 champions are reportedly targeting Lille's Lucas Chevalier, whose potential arrival at Parc des Princes could eventually force Donnarumma toward the exit.
The practicality of a Chelsea transfer remains uncertain. Similar to PSG, the Blues would likely require Donnarumma to accept reduced wages to complete a move to Stamford Bridge.
There's also the issue of Donnarumma's behavior during the Club World Cup final between these teams. He was central to a post-match altercation that resulted in PSG manager Luis Enrique striking Chelsea's João Pedro. Relations may require repair before either side can seriously consider a transfer.