Chelsea considering move for AC Milan goalkeeper amid doubts over Kepa
Chelsea is reportedly considering a move for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan due to uncertainties surrounding Kepa Arrizabalaga's position as the club's number one. Kepa, who became the most expensive goalkeeper in history when he signed for £71.6 million in 2018, had a difficult spell at Chelsea marked by several mistakes, leading to him being replaced as the first-choice goalkeeper. However, he regained his position ahead of Edouard Mendy last season.
Recent reports suggest that Mendy is on the verge of joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in a reported £16 million move, leaving Chelsea with only Kepa as a realistic contender for the starting goalkeeper role. As a result, the club is said to be considering a move for highly-rated French goalkeeper Maignan from AC Milan, according to The Telegraph.
Incoming Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly willing to begin the season with Kepa as the first-choice goalkeeper. However, with Marcus Bettinelli as the third-choice goalkeeper and teenager Gabriel Slonina still developing and unlikely to challenge for regular first-team minutes, the club is looking to strengthen their options by targeting Maignan.
Maignan, 27, has been in exceptional form for AC Milan and was named in the Serie A Team of the Season. He is also France's national team goalkeeper, having replaced Hugo Lloris following his retirement from international football. Maignan played a key role in AC Milan's title-winning campaign in 2021-2022. However, he still has three years remaining on his contract, which could make acquiring him a costly endeavor for Chelsea.
Despite the potential arrival of Maignan, Kepa reportedly has no intention of leaving Chelsea and aims to establish himself as the long-term number one goalkeeper at the club. It is believed that his decision to stay and fight for his position is influenced by his close personal relationship with Chelsea's new goalkeeping coach, Toni Jimenez, who is joining the club alongside Pochettino. Kepa and Jimenez have been in discussions since the end of the season and are working on a plan to help Kepa revive his career at Stamford Bridge.
While Kepa is determined to bounce back, it should be noted that Chelsea endured a difficult season, resulting in a disappointing 12th-place finish in the Premier League. However, with the arrival of Pochettino and the support of Jimenez, Kepa remains optimistic about the future and aims to reclaim his position as Chelsea's top goalkeeper.
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