As the countdown to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup intensifies, Chelsea are reportedly accelerating their transfer activity in a bid to finalize three major signings before the tournament kicks later this month. At the heart of their plans is a controversial move for AC Milan’s star goalkeeper, Mike Maignan — a move that has already stirred backlash across Italy and beyond. 
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have tabled an opening offer of just €10 million for the 28-year-old French international, despite Maignan being widely rated as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe and having only one year left on his current deal. The offer is significantly below Milan’s €30 million valuation and has been described by insiders as “disrespectful.”
Milan and Maignan Stunned by Chelsea’s Lowball Offer
The reaction from Milan’s camp has reportedly been one of disbelief. Sources close to the Rossoneri suggest that both the club’s executives and Maignan himself found Chelsea’s initial approach insulting, especially considering the goalkeeper's pedigree and importance to the squad.
Maignan, who succeeded Gianluigi Donnarumma at Milan in 2021 after joining from Lille for €15 million, played a key role in the club’s 2021/22 Serie A title-winning campaign and was later named Serie A’s Goalkeeper of the Year. Since then, however, his form has fluctuated — a fact that Chelsea appear to be using in negotiations, alongside his expiring contract, to justify their undervalued bid.
Despite a few high-profile errors in the 2024/25 season — including a pivotal mistake in a Champions League qualifier loss to Feyenoord — Maignan remains France’s No. 1 and is regarded as a top-tier shot-stopper.
Though a verbal agreement for a contract extension running until 2028 had been reached earlier this year, Milan have yet to finalize the deal. The recent turmoil surrounding Chelsea’s bid has only cast further doubt on whether Maignan’s future lies in Italy or England.
Chelsea’s Goalkeeping Dilemma
Chelsea’s aggressive push for Maignan underscores their growing dissatisfaction with their current options between the sticks. Robert Sánchez, who joined from Brighton last season, has struggled to deliver consistently at the top level. Club executives are now looking for a dependable and experienced goalkeeper to lead the squad into a critical 2025/26 season and the Club World Cup.
However, if Chelsea are to secure Maignan’s services, they will need to significantly improve their offer. Milan’s sporting director is said to be open to negotiations but unwilling to let their prized asset go for a bargain price, especially with no clear replacement lined up.
Two Other Deals in the Pipeline
The Maignan pursuit is reportedly just one piece of Chelsea's wider transfer puzzle. Club insiders suggest that two more deals — both involving midfield and attacking reinforcements — are being worked on simultaneously as manager Enzo Maresca aims to revamp key areas of the squad.
While the identities of the two other targets remain under wraps, sources hint that Chelsea are eyeing a versatile midfielder capable of dictating play and an explosive forward to ease the burden on Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku.
With the Club World Cup set to begin in less than three weeks, Chelsea are operating on a tight schedule. Club executives are believed to be in near-daily communication with agents and clubs across Europe as they aim to finalize deals that could define their upcoming season.
What Next for Chelsea and Maignan?
For now, the ball is in Chelsea’s court. If they are serious about landing Maignan, they will need to return with a far more competitive offer that reflects his standing and Milan’s valuation. Otherwise, they risk alienating both the player and his current club — potentially pushing the Frenchman toward other suitors, of which there are reportedly several.
Whether the Blues can complete the Maignan deal — along with their two other targeted signings — before the Club World Cup kicks off remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Chelsea’s transfer window is off to a controversial and aggressive start.