Talks between AC Milan and Chelsea over the transfer of Mike Maignan have reportedly broken down and he will not be leaving this week.
The 29-year-old’s current contract with the Rossoneri expires in 12 months time, and with no suggestion that progress is being made in renewal talks to secure his long-term future at San Siro, an exit this summer has been heavily speculated so we avoid losing him for nothing next year.
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Maignan has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea over the past week or so, but according to Fabrizio Romano, that potential deal is now off as the two clubs couldn’t reach an agreement on his price-tag, and so the French shot-stopper will remain with us, for a little longer at least.
The pre-Club World Cup transfer window closes on Tuesday night, but it was will reopen next week for clubs to continue to do their business over the summer.
In turn, negotiations could resume at that point and Maignan may well still become a Chelsea player ahead of next season, but assuming that the gap between the two clubs can’t be bridged, what do Milan do next?
A complete U-turn from Maignan is highly unlikely in terms of signing a new deal to extend his stay at Milan, and so we now run the real risk of losing him as a free agent next summer.
In that scenario, should the club keep him as our No.1 option between the posts next season, knowing that he’s going to leave next year, or should we press ahead with either promoting or signing his long-term successor and addressing what will become a significant issue sooner rather than later.
Countless reports have suggested that the French international is keen on joining Chelsea and has no intention of signing a renewal after talks broke down with Milan over a new deal, and while it’s hoped that he would remain professional through to his last day as a Rossonero, is that the best option from a Milan perspective?
Time will tell if a breakthrough is made in talks should Chelsea return to the table to sign Maignan later this month, but there is an emerging possibility that Milan face an important decision on his future beyond this summer, and so the club will no doubt be assessing and analysing all options with the process being led by Massimiliano Allegri.
