Chelsea are reportedly ready to make a formal approach for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
The Blues are currently well stocked for options between the sticks with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy having been competing for the number-one position and Gabriel Slonina viewed as a future first choice in the senior ranks.
However, as it stands, none of the those three names are expected to be the preferred choice of Mauricio Pochettino when the Premier League returns in August.
Each of Arrizabalaga and Mendy have been linked with transfers away from Stamford Bridge, whereas it is likely that United States Under-20 international Slonina will be allowed to go out on loan.
Although Chelsea are in need of raising funds as soon as possible in order to comply with FFP criteria, the West Londoners have been linked with a number of alternatives.
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Inter Milan Andre Onana is a possibility, providing that the Champions League finalists are open to a sale, while David Raya will be allowed to leave Brentford if they receive a bid in the region of £40m.
Nevertheless, according to L'Equipe, Chelsea are ready to up their interest in Maignan over the coming weeks.
The report says that Milan currently have no interest in parting ways with the France international, who possesses a contract until the end of 2025-26.
Maignan, who is 27 years of age, is regarded as an indispensable player having conceded just 59 goals during his 68 appearances since his arrival in 2021.
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Milan have less need to cash in on one of their most prized assets courtesy of the prize money which comes from reaching this season's Champions League semi-finals and having qualified for next year's competition.
That said, much may depend on the size of any offer for a player who is likely to cost in excess of £40m if Milan are to contemplating a surprise sale.
Chelsea have the option of trying to include Ruben Loftus-Cheek in any proposal for Maignan, although if appears that changes behind the scenes have made it less likely that the midfielder will move to the club.
Officials at the two clubs have been in conversations over player transfers since October, yet it is unclear whether the recent upheaval at Milan will render those previous discussions irrelevant.
Darren Plant
