Chelsea may need to look elsewhere for a new first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the new season after it was confirmed that a deal for AC Milan’s Mike Maignan is off.
Fabrizio Romano reported on X that Chelsea are not willing to meet Milan’s valuation of the France international, reported to be around £25m, and a deal to bring in Maignan ahead of the Club World Cup will not go ahead.
Maignan was expected to be the next signing after Liam Delap joined Chelsea, but it is believed that talks will not resume between the two clubs when the transfer window reopens on June 16, and Enzo Maresca will set his sights on other options ahead of the new season.
Should the Blues decide not to put their trust in their existing goalkeeping options, we have identified three potential alternatives they could pursue this summer.
Lucas Chevalier
Already a star in Ligue 1 and potentially a future rival to Maignan for the French number one jersey, at just 23 years old Lille’s Lucas Chevalier is regarded as one of the top young goalkeepers in Europe.
With 127 appearances for Lille under his belt in three seasons as their first choice, Chevalier is an assured option for the present while offering the potential to grow into one of the world’s best goalkeepers.
Chelsea would face competition, though, amid interest from European champions PSG and Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Manchester United – and it is thought that Lille may demand €70m (£60m) for his services.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
A more experienced option, Marc-Andre ter Stegen may depart Barcelona this summer if the Catalan giants bring in Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García.
At 33 years old, Ter Stegen wouldn’t be the long-term solution but will feel he still has a few more years playing at the top, with a Premier League move potentially an attractive one.
The Blues may not need to pay a transfer fee, but the German’s contract situation would need to be resolved prior to a move, amidst reports he is willing to “go to war” with Barca [Sport]. Galatasaray and United are also rumoured to be interested.
Andriy Lunin
Remembered for his heroics in Real Madrid’s run to Champions League glory in 2023-24, Andriy Lunin is set to remain as second choice for Los Blancos under Xabi Alonso and could be tempted with a move away.
The 26-year-old Ukraine international may feel this is the right time in his career to take the step up and be the number one at a top club in Europe, even if this means departing Madrid to do so.
Lunin may cost in the region of £20m if he were to depart the Bernabeu.