SHOCKING NEWS: Chelsea are confident that Maignan will become their goalkeeper before June 10. A contract until June 2031 has been agreed between Chelsea and Mike Maignan, with Chelsea preparing a new bid including add-ons and bonuses that has stunned Milan.

In a bold and potentially era-defining move, Chelsea Football Club is pushing ahead with plans to secure the signing of AC Milan’s star goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, before June 10. Sources close to Stamford Bridge suggest that the West London club has reached a full agreement with the player on personal terms, offering a contract that runs until the summer of 2031. The new offer, which includes a sizable transfer fee, performance-related bonuses, and add-ons, has reportedly left Milan’s board in disbelief.

Maignan, who has built a strong reputation as one of Europe’s most reliable goalkeepers, is currently under contract with AC Milan but is believed to be open to a move to the Premier League. His performances since joining Milan from Lille have been nothing short of phenomenal, playing a pivotal role in Milan’s domestic and European campaigns over the past few seasons.

The 28-year-old French international is seen by Chelsea’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, as the perfect fit for his style of play. Known for his ability to command the penalty area, distribute the ball with precision, and make crucial saves under pressure, Maignan ticks all the boxes for a modern-day goalkeeper — and he’s exactly the kind of character Chelsea wants between the posts.

Chelsea’s interest in Maignan comes amid major restructuring under Maresca, with the club aiming to overhaul key areas of the squad. The goalkeeping department has been one of the areas identified for urgent reinforcement. With Kepa Arrizabalaga expected to depart permanently and Robert Sánchez struggling to maintain consistent form, Chelsea have accelerated talks to bring in a more dependable long-term No.1.

Behind the scenes, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, have been working overtime to finalize the deal. They see Maignan not just as a top-tier shot-stopper but as a vital component in rebuilding a resilient and competitive Chelsea side ahead of the new season.

Reports in Italy suggest that Milan were initially reluctant to entertain any offers for Maignan, who is widely considered a cornerstone of their defensive unit. However, Chelsea’s latest proposal — rumoured to be in the region of £60-70 million plus bonuses — has forced the Serie A giants to reconsider their stance.

Chelsea fans have taken to social media in droves to express their excitement over the news. Many believe that Maignan’s arrival could signal a return to the club’s defensive dominance of years past, reminiscent of the Petr Čech era. The mood around the club appears to be shifting positively, with Maignan potentially leading the charge.

Should the deal go through, Maignan would become one of the most expensive goalkeepers in Premier League history. Yet Chelsea seem unfazed by the price tag, believing that securing the services of a world-class keeper for six years is worth every penny in today’s inflated market.

The long-term contract aligns with Chelsea’s recent strategy of tying down key signings to lengthy deals, allowing for both stability and Financial Fair Play compliance through amortized transfer costs. This approach was notably used in deals for the likes of Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo.

Moreover, Maignan’s leadership qualities and calm demeanor are said to be major factors in Chelsea’s decision to push for his signing. Despite being only 28, he brings invaluable experience from Ligue 1, Serie A, and international tournaments, making him an ideal figure to lead from the back in a young Chelsea squad.

The potential partnership between Maignan and Chelsea’s current defensive setup, which includes players like Levi Colwill, Benoît Badiashile, and Reece James, could give the Blues one of the most solid backlines in Europe if all goes according to plan.

As the transfer saga nears its climax, all eyes are on Chelsea’s boardroom, where final touches are being put on what could be one of the club’s biggest signings in recent years. Talks are ongoing, but the mood around Stamford Bridge is one of confidence and optimism.

With June 10 approaching quickly, Chelsea will be hoping to conclude the deal swiftly, especially to integrate Maignan into the squad in time for preseason preparations under Maresca. The Blues are determined not to drag the negotiations out and are said to be prepared to fly representatives to Italy if needed to finalize terms face-to-face.

If completed, Maignan’s move to Chelsea would also have wider implications across Europe. Milan would be forced to find a new goalkeeper on short notice, while Chelsea’s competitors in the Premier League would be on alert, knowing the Blues are serious about challenging for silverware again.

The next few days will be crucial, and fans will be refreshing their news feeds relentlessly as the Blues prepare to land one of the most coveted goalkeepers in world football. This deal, if it goes through, would not only secure Chelsea’s last line of defense — it could define their next era.