Key Milan figure could now stay as interest in signing him ended

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan could now be set to stay as Chelsea have reportedly ended their interest in him.

Speculation was rife earlier this month over the French shot-stopper’s future, with Chelsea pushing to sign him in the early transfer window ahead of the Club World Cup.

READ MORE: Exit expected as Milan opt against exercising contract option

While a move failed to materialise as the clubs couldn’t agree on terms, it was still possible that the Premier League side could revisit their interest in Maignan later this summer.

According to Fabrizio Romano though, Chelsea are said to no longer be looking to sign another goalkeeper now and don’t intend to for the remainder of the transfer window.

That in turn presents a potential headache for Milan, as given Maignan has just 12 months remaining on his current contract, we’re back in a familiar spot of having to decide whether or not we push to move him on this summer in order to avoid losing him for nothing next year.

In contrast, he remains a fundamental player and his leadership, experience and quality could be seen as valuable attributes to hold onto as Massimiliano Allegri rebuilds this squad into his own, and has various other areas of the group that he will likely want to improve as more of a priority.

It has been reported that the Milan coach is keen to keep the French international at the club for the upcoming campaign, and with Chelsea’s reported interest falling away, he could now get his wish.

Maignan has been an important player for us since arriving in 2021, as he’s gone on to make 163 appearances for the club and has firmly established himself as a decisive figure between the posts.

While injuries and mistakes have at times blighted his stint with us, he remains one of the top goalkeepers in Europe, and while ideally we would agree terms on a contract extension, keeping him for another year could prove to be a crucial boost to help us lay the foundations for future success.