Chelsea to save France star for whom 'nothing is going right'

Updated: 20 Jun 2026 14:22 BST |
5 min read

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

Things haven’t been going great for AC Milan and France goalkeeper Mike Maignan recently, but Chelsea could provide him with an escape route.

If the 30-year-old thought that he would be able to forget about his miserable end to the 2025/26 season at the World Cup, he was sorely mistaken. After missing the 2022 edition through injury, Maignan is finally the No.1 for France, who are among the favourites to win the tournament.

However, even though Les Bleus comfortably won their opening game against Senegal 3-1, Maignan has faced scrutiny back home. The French press has been very critical of the goal he conceded to PSG wonderkid Ibrahim Mbaye in stoppage time and his overall performance.

Maignan had a few wobbly moments throughout the game and was unable to keep out Mbaye’s powerful strike at his near post after misjudging the youngster’s effort. He seemingly expected Mbaye to drag his shot to the far post, which resulted in an awkward attempt at saving the ball that looked more like he was diving out of the way.

Speaking after the match, 1998 World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry argued that Maignan was lacking confidence and composure. Given how disastrous his club season ended, this is perhaps little surprise.

Maignan still flirting with Milan exit

After looking a good bet to qualify for the Champions League for most of the season, Milan suffered a late collapse in Serie A. Performance levels fell off a cliff in the final weeks of the season, resulting in the Rossoneri dropping into the Europa League,

Milan axed their entire sporting leadership, including manager Massimiliano Allegri, after the final game of the season, and several players are expected to depart the club. Former Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim has been appointed as the club’s new head coach.

In recent weeks, reports have suggested that Maignan is considering his future at the club. He only extended his contract in the winter because Champions League qualification looked almost guaranteed at the time, and he is supposedly unhappy about Allegri’s sacking.

Chelsea pursued Maignan last year, but they ultimately baulked at Milan’s asking price. According to the latest from Gazzetta dello Sport, Maignan’s future remains uncertain, with his agent currently sounding out the market for potential Premier League suitors.

“Nothing is going right” for the 30-year-old at present, so he may need a change of scenery to get back to his best. Chelsea, who have goalkeeper concerns, could be his perfect destination.

However, it is also rumoured that Tottenham could be an option for him. They are going big this summer after the appointment of Roberto de Zerbi. Neither club, though, can offer Maignan European, let alone Champions League, football.

The outcome of this story remains uncertain due to the World Cup. A final decision on his future won’t be made by Maignan anytime soon. Milan, for their part, still want to keep the goalkeeper.

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