Chelsea transfer news: Mike Maignan arrival could trigger 'double exit' alongside £5m Kepa sale

Mike Maignan's prospective Chelsea arrival could supposedly force another couple of goalkeepers out of the Stamford Bridge exit door.

After neither Robert Sanchez nor Filip Jorgensen covered themselves in glory last season, a new number one has been high on the Blues' agenda for this summer.

Borussia Dortmund's Gregor Kobel initially seemed to be their prime target in that regard, but in recent days, they appear to have turned their focus to France international Maignan.

The former Lille shot-stopper is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract with AC Milan, and he is believed to be keen on joining Chelsea ahead of the Club World Cup.

Teams currently have until June 10 to make their first signings of the summer in an 'exceptional registration period' for the CWC, after which the second transfer window opens on June 16.

Maignan to force Sanchez, Djordje Petrovic out of Chelsea?

Chelsea are hoping to land Maignan on the cheap thanks to his contract situation, but there is believed to be a £15m difference between the Blues' valuation and Milan's price tag.

The Conference League winners apparently do not wish to pay more than £10m for the Frenchman, whereas Milan hope to garner a £25m fee through a sale in the first window.

If common ground can be found, Maignan's switch to West London will have a ripple effect, as Football Insider claims that Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic could both be on the way out if the Rossoneri number one arrives.

Sanchez spent the majority of the 2024-25 season as Chelsea's number one, but he made five errors directly leading to a goal in the Premier League, the joint-most of any player.

On the other hand, Petrovic earned his stars with Strasbourg in Ligue 1 during a loan spell, playing a critical role in helping Liam Rosenior's side achieve a shock Conference League qualification.

The 25-year-old kept 10 clean sheets in 31 appearances for Les Coureurs in the French top flight, and he remains contracted to Chelsea for another five seasons.

What is the latest on Kepa Arrizabalaga's future?

While Sanchez and Petrovic's next career moves may hinge on whether Chelsea can get a deal for Maignan over the line, Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to seek pastures new regardless.

The world's most expensive goalkeeper will soon officially return from a successful loan spell at Bournemouth, but he could now depart for a measly £5m thanks to a clause in his contract.

Arsenal are supposedly trying to capitalise on the situation, holding initial talks over a cut-price deal as Mikel Arteta searches for a new number two goalkeeper.

However, whether Kepa is content to play second fiddle to David Raya next season is another question entirely, so there may not be a clear answer to the Spaniard's saga for a while yet.

Written by
Ben Knapton