Chelsea Target Milan’s Mike Maignan as Serie A Giants Line Up Vanja Milinković-Savić Replacement

• by Arlen Fitzpatrick
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Chelsea Turns Up the Heat in Mike Maignan Chase

Rumors about Mike Maignan’s future at AC Milan have caught fire as Chelsea step up their search for a new goalkeeper. The London club is pushing hard for the French shot-stopper, seeing him as the answer to their ongoing issues between the posts. Robert Sánchez, while steady, hasn’t quite solved Chelsea’s goalkeeper concerns, so Maignan has shot to the top of their wish list. But there’s a twist—Maignan’s contract with Milan doesn't end until June 2026, putting Milan firmly in control.

Milan, meanwhile, are stuck in a tough spot. The club wants to keep their No.1, but a new contract isn’t close—Maignan’s salary expectations have created a standoff. Milan’s new sporting director Igli Tare and returning coach Massimiliano Allegri are desperate to avoid losing a world-class keeper for less than his market value. But with Chelsea offering less than the €25 million Milan want, it’s no easy deal. Negotiations are tense; neither side is budging.

Milan's Backup Plan: Vanja Milinković-Savić Steps Into the Frame

While Milan holds out hope for an agreement, the club is already moving behind the scenes. They’re sizing up Vanja Milinković-Savić from Torino as a serious fallback. Scouts have watched the Serbian international closely. He’s younger, experienced in Serie A, and has built a strong reputation for consistency and sharp reflexes. The Milan hierarchy sees him as the most logical replacement if the Maignan saga ends with a sale.

This isn't a just-in-case plan—Milan are setting up meetings and doing background checks, making sure Milinković-Savić would hit the ground running. His performances for Torino have stood out, especially in high-pressure matches, which is exactly what Milan need if Maignan moves on. There are other names being considered too—Milan’s recruitment team is casting a wide net, just in case negotiations with Chelsea accelerate.

This tug-of-war puts Milan in a delicate spot: stick to their valuation and risk Maignan getting unsettled, or cash in and start a fresh chapter with someone new like Milinković-Savić. Chelsea’s interest doesn’t seem to be fading, especially as the summer window heats up. For Milan fans, uncertainty hovers—but at least the club looks ready, whether Maignan stays or heads to Stamford Bridge.