Chelsea and Villa eye Milan star as cut-price transfer opens up | OneFootball

Chelsea and Aston Villa Consider Move for Maignan Amid Milan Uncertainty

The strange thing about football’s transfer market is how quickly a world-class player can shift from “untouchable” to “available for half price.” Mike Maignan, once a €80m cornerstone of AC Milan’s post-Donnarumma evolution, may now be prised away for a relative pittance. And Chelsea and Aston Villa, two clubs navigating their own goalkeeper futures, are watching closely.

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According to TeamTalk, both Premier League sides are seriously monitoring Maignan, with Chelsea having maintained “constant contact” with his representatives for over a year. Villa’s interest is strong but less advanced, as Unai Emery’s side search for a long-term successor to Emiliano Martinez.

Timing of Opportunity Creates Market Tension

Maignan’s contract runs until 2026, with Milan working to extend it to 2029. Talks are reportedly “at an advanced stage,” but remain unsigned. This delay has opened the door, especially as Milan’s domestic form — ninth in Serie A, six points off the Champions League spots — creates financial pressures.

TEAMtalk suggests Maignan could be available for as little as €40m (£34m) this summer, should Milan miss out on Europe’s top table. In modern terms, that’s loose change for a 29-year-old who just helped France beat Croatia on penalties with typical steel and swagger.

Chelsea and Villa Both at a Goalkeeping Crossroads

Chelsea’s ongoing goalkeeper dilemma remains unresolved. Robert Sánchez and Djordje Petrovic have rotated without convincing, and a goalkeeper of Maignan’s calibre would offer long-term security for a club looking to stabilise under Enzo Maresca.

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Villa, meanwhile, are preparing for life beyond Martinez. While the Argentine remains a leader, Emery wants a modern, proactive keeper capable of underpinning his tactical vision. Maignan, with his composure and distribution, ticks every box.

Photo: IMAGO

Serie A Exodus Looms as Milan Risk Fire Sale

Maignan isn’t the only Milan star whose future hangs in the balance. As TeamTalk reports, Theo Hernandez is being courted by Manchester City and Real Madrid, while Tijjani Reijnders and Rafael Leão also face uncertain summers.

Should Milan miss the Champions League, expect a domino effect. Maignan’s sale would not be a symptom — it would be the spark.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Mike Maignan isn’t just a good goalkeeper — he’s elite. Whether it’s Chelsea looking to finally fix their post-Courtois instability or Villa planning for a future beyond Martinez, this is the kind of move that raises the level.

For Chelsea, there’s been far too much chopping and changing in goal. Sánchez was always a gamble, and Petrovic, while talented, lacks the experience. Maignan brings presence, authority, and composure — all things this team needs.

Villa, on the other hand, are building something serious under Emery. With European football increasingly likely, a commanding figure like Maignan at the back could elevate them to another tier. He’s got Champions League pedigree and the mentality to lead.

And the price? £34m for a player of this quality in today’s market is a no-brainer. Milan’s loss could be a Premier League club’s gain. All that remains is who moves first — and fast.