Mike Maignan’s Future Hangs in the Balance as AC Milan Push for Renewal Amid Lingering Chelsea Interest

Milan look to open new contract talks while Premier League door remains ajar

Mike Maignan’s future at AC Milan remains delicately poised, as the club prepares to reopen contract negotiations with the French international goalkeeper. The 29-year-old, one of Europe’s most consistent shot-stoppers, is entering a pivotal moment in his career, with talks of a renewal at San Siro competing against continued interest from Chelsea.

According to fresh reports from Calciomercato, Milan are expected to formally approach Maignan this week with a new proposal, hoping to secure his long-term future. But after a near-move to Stamford Bridge broke down late in negotiations, it’s clear that the Premier League remains an alluring option for the France No.1.

Milan Ready to Reignite Contract Talks with Maignan

For Milan, locking down Maignan is a top priority this summer. Since his arrival from Lille in 2021, the Frenchman has proven to be an invaluable asset between the posts. He’s not just a reflex-savvy goalkeeper—he’s also a vocal leader and an assured presence who has helped stabilise the back line in recent campaigns.

However, despite multiple signals of commitment from both club and player over the past year, a formal agreement on a contract extension has yet to materialise. Maignan’s current deal runs until 2026, but Milan want to avoid the risk of entering the final 18 months of his contract without clarity.

The plan now, under new manager Massimiliano Allegri, is to prioritise direct talks. Allegri sees Maignan as central to his vision for a rejuvenated Milan side, and the Italian tactician is expected to meet the player personally in the coming days.

Club executives are also keen to improve Maignan’s salary package to reflect his importance—both as a performer and as a potential captain figure moving forward.

Chelsea Remain in the Picture Despite Collapse of Initial Move

AC Milan v FC Internazionale: Semi Final – Coppa Italia

While Milan are pushing forward, they aren’t the only club with eyes on Maignan’s future. Chelsea, still in search of a long-term solution in goal, had come close to securing the Frenchman earlier this year.

Sources suggest that an agreement was being explored for a potential fee-based transfer in 2026, giving Chelsea the flexibility to work within financial fair play parameters while planning ahead. However, that arrangement reportedly hit a wall in the final stages, with the deal collapsing over contract structure and timing issues.

Yet, the interest hasn’t disappeared. Those close to Maignan have indicated that the idea of playing in the Premier League remains appealing to the player, particularly at a club with Chelsea’s stature.

For now, Stamford Bridge officials are adopting a wait-and-see approach. Should Milan struggle to reach terms with their No.1, Chelsea are expected to re-enter the conversation.

Maignan’s Track Record: A Model of Consistency

AS Roma v AC Milan – Serie A

Maignan’s form hardly needs defending. Since taking over from Gianluigi Donnarumma in 2021, he has appeared in 163 matches for the Rossoneri, firmly establishing himself as one of Serie A’s elite goalkeepers.

In the 2024-25 campaign, he played 37 league games for Milan, conceding 41 goals and keeping 13 clean sheets—a respectable return in a season where Milan were defensively inconsistent at times.

His command of the penalty area, distribution under pressure, and shot-stopping ability make him a rare blend of modern goalkeeper and old-school reliability. His influence on Milan’s defensive unit has been palpable, and losing him would create a significant void.

A Delicate Balancing Act for Milan’s Management

For Milan’s management, the Maignan situation is a microcosm of a larger challenge—how to retain top talent while adhering to financial sustainability.

With the club’s ownership continuing to focus on responsible spending, handing out top-tier salaries is no longer a given, even for star performers. That creates tension when clubs like Chelsea—backed by Premier League revenues—come knocking with offers that can eclipse Milan’s best financial packages.

The decision-makers at San Siro now face a delicate balancing act: match Maignan’s expectations while staying within their evolving wage structure, or risk watching another marquee name walk out the door.

It’s a problem they’ve faced before—most recently with Franck Kessié and Gianluigi Donnarumma—and the lessons from those departures will surely shape how they approach this round of negotiations.

What Comes Next for Mike Maignan?

All eyes now turn to the scheduled talks between Maignan, manager Allegri, and the Milan directors. Sources close to the club say the plan is to lay down a clear vision for the future, both in terms of the sporting project and Maignan’s role within it.

There’s hope that Allegri’s arrival can help sway the situation. The former Juventus boss is known for building strong defensive units, and he’s believed to see Maignan as indispensable.

Still, until pen meets paper, the speculation won’t stop. Chelsea remain interested and will be monitoring every development. The idea of a pre-contract agreement—or even a low-cost transfer next summer—could become more realistic if talks stall again.

A Big Decision on the Horizon

For Mike Maignan, the next few weeks will be crucial. At 29, he’s at the peak of his powers and holds all the cards. He can commit to Milan, anchoring the Allegri era with experience and leadership. Or he can keep the Premier League dream alive, with Chelsea waiting in the wings.

Whatever he chooses, one thing is certain: his next move will shape not just his future, but that of AC Milan. The club that once defined goalkeeping greatness with the likes of Sebastiano Rossi and Dida now faces another defining moment between the posts.