Chelsea transfer news: Blues formulating 'plan' involving six goalkeepers after failed Mike Maignan bid

Chelsea are reportedly in the process of deciding how to use their six goalkeepers during the 2025-26 campaign.

In recent days, the Conference League winners have been attempting to secure a deal for AC Milan stopper Mike Maignan prior to the Club World Cup.

However, with Milan unwilling to reach a compromise over a fee, the Blues are expected to shelve their interest in acquiring a new goalkeeper.

Some reports have suggested that club officials viewed that pursuit as 'a market opportunity' over Enzo Maresca pushing for a fresh face between the sticks.

According to journalist Simon Johnson of The Athletic, Chelsea will be sticking with the options that are already at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have plan of action in mind?

Johnson says that Chelsea plan to retain only two of Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Djordje Petrovic and Mike Penders.

One of the quartet will be sold and another will be sent to sister club Strasbourg, where Petrovic has just won the 2024-25 Player of the Season award.

Meanwhile, it is claimed that either Gabriel Slonina or Teddy Sharman-Lowe will be viewed as next season's number three.

Chelsea are in need of making such a promotion due to veteran stopper Marcus Bettinelli being on the brink of replacing Scott Carson at Manchester City.

What is most likely resolution?

Although reports have suggested that Sanchez could be sold, the Spain international is now in line to remain as the club's number one.

Petrovic is now most likely to be sold on the back of enhancing his reputation and having widespread interest in his signature. Chelsea are aware that they can make a substantial profit on his signature this summer.

The most difficult decision may be regarding who to send to Strasbourg out of Jorgensen and Penders. There is an argument that both players could benefit from a season of regular football at the Conference League participants.

Slonina is theoretically most likely to remain as third choice with Sharman-Lowe -  now an England Under-21 international - guaranteed to have widespread interest from EFL clubs having just helped Doncaster Rovers to the League Two title.

Although Slonina may also attract EFL interest, Chelsea will not want to entertain using the American for one of their six foreign loan slots, subsequently leaving a Stamford Bridge stay as a realistic outcome.

Written by
Darren Plant