AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri would reportedly prefer to keep Mike Maignan at the club this summer amid exit talk.
The 29-year-old has been a decisive figure for the Rossoneri since arriving in 2021, as although he’s had some injury woes and errors along the way, he’s proven himself to be one of the top goalkeepers in Europe.
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Aside from his shot-stopping ability, his composure in his distribution has been vital, as well as his quality of commanding his box and providing leadership at the back in organising the backline.
Speculation though has linked the French international with an exit from Milan this summer, as with just 12 months remaining on his current contract, we’re heading towards a crucial period now where he might either depart so we avoid losing him for nothing next year, or he could yet sign a contract extension after talks are said to have stalled.
According to MilanNews, Allegri wants to keep Maignan at the club ahead of next season, as the Italian tactician values his qualities and may well believe that he could be a crucial presence in the dressing room in his first campaign back at the helm at San Siro.
Particularly with plenty of movement being touted elsewhere as we’re expected to sell some other high-profile names for big fees, Allegri will certainly need some stability and continuity while strengthening the squad and moulding it into his own, and so Maignan would provide that if he were to stay.
The report above notes that Chelsea are keen on the Frenchman, but with no offer said to have been submitted as of yet and with Milan putting a €30m valuation on Maignan, that could undoubtedly complicate matters as that’s a significant fee to pay for a player who’s in the final year of his contract.
That in itself might be enough to put the Premier League side off and end their pursuit, and that will seemingly be music to the ears of Allegri who will hope to be in a position to lean on Maignan next season in what will be a critical year for the club off the back of such a disappointing campaign just gone.
