Chelsea increase offer for Mike Maignan as Blues battle to sign AC Milan stopper in time for Club World Cup

Having identified the need for a stronger presence between the posts, Chelsea are ready to move on from Robert Sanchez, who has struggled to convince since arriving at Stamford Bridge. With manager Enzo Maresca set to lead the team into international competition, the club has shifted its focus to securing Maignan, hoping to finalise the move before the brief transfer window shuts.

According to reports from Sky Sport Italia, Chelsea initially tabled a €15 million (£12.6m/$17m) proposal with additional bonuses to bring the French goalkeeper to London. However, that offer was swiftly turned down by the Milan hierarchy, who value the 28-year-old at closer to €25m (£21m/$28.5m).

In a fresh development, Chelsea have now returned with a significantly improved offer. After intense negotiations held over the phone on Monday evening, the London club have raised their bid to €21m (£18m/$24m). While still short of Milan's valuation, the revised figure reflects Chelsea’s growing urgency to secure Maignan’s services.

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Maignan, who has a contract with Milan that runs until the summer of 2026, has reportedly issued a clear ultimatum to the Italian side: either sanction a transfer this summer or risk losing him for nothing next year. The goalkeeper is understood to be reluctant to extend his stay at San Siro and is even ready to force his way through the exit door for a fresh challenge.

Should the deal be finalised in time, Maignan is expected to immediately slot into the starting lineup, bringing top-tier experience and composure to a position that has long been in flux for the London club. The Blues will be hoping that their improved offer is enough to persuade Milan to part ways with the French shot-stopper.