Bayern Munich could now give Chelsea a real transfer boost as BlueCo set their sights on an “elite” player, according to a new report.
Chelsea secure dramatic late win over Liverpool
On the field, Enzo Maresca watched on as his side bounced right back from their dismal loss at home to Brighton by overcoming Premier League champions Liverpool 2-1 last weekend.
Maresca was sent off for his jubilant celebrations after teenage sensation Estevao Willian bagged a vital winner deep into added time, with the Italian sprinting in animated fashion to celebrate alongside his players in the corner.
Moises Caicedo
7.8/10
Marc Cucurella
7.7/10
Estevao
7.7/10
Cody Gakpo
7.5/10
Reece James
7.3/10
via WhoScored
Moises Caicedo also opened the scoring with one of the goals of the season so far, beating Liverpool’s Giorgi Marmadashvilli from long range just 14 minutes into the goalkeeper’s Premier League debut.
It was an evening to remember for the Blues at Stamford Bridge, and one which could highlight that the title race is still wide open as Chelsea look to build upon their deserved three points against Arne Slot’s side.
That being said, according to some reports, Maresca is personally unhappy with his overall squad choices right now and feels that a few key areas need to be reinforced (Simon Phillips) — with Chelsea expected to rectify certain positions in January.
The big one is, of course, at centre-back.
Maresca publicly stated that Chelsea need another body at centre-half in the summer, but despite allegedly holding talks with Dean Huijsen’s camp and considering other names, the Blues didn’t get one over the line.
Now, Chelsea and Maresca are reportedly in agreement that signing a new defender should be prioritised for January, with a goalkeeper also said to be on their agenda.
The West Londoners held negotiations with AC Milan over a deal for France number one Mike Maignan before the Club World Cup, but a major difference in price meant that Chelsea couldn’t find an agreement.
Chelsea are ready to go back in for Maignan and offer him a pre-contract in the winter (Graeme Bailey), as his contract expires at the end of 2025/2026.
However, they face stiff competition.
Bayern could give Chelsea "huge" transfer boost as BlueCo eye Mike Maignan
One of the clubs who are competing for Maignan is Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, but according to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, Vincent Kompany’s side could hand them a “huge” boost by pulling out of the race.
This is because Bayern are in talks to hand long-serving keeper Manuel Neuer, who’s now 39-years-old, a 12-month extension that would keep him in Bavaria until 2027.
Chelsea could now face less competition in the race for Maignan as a result, which definitely would come as good news for Maresca.
Doubts have surrounded Robert Sanchez’s capability as Chelsea’s long-term number one, and you can make a case that they could need to upgrade with the addition of a world-class, elite-level keeper who’s capable of taking them to the next level.
Maignan, especially on a free transfer, fits the bill perfectly.
The 30-year-old Rossoneri captain has kept 64 clean sheets in 170 appearances for Milan, conceding just 173 goals in that time, which are solid numbers, and he’s just won France’s 2024/2025 Goalkeeper of the Season award.
A Ligue 1 champion with Lille and Serie A champion with Milan already in his career, Maignan’s top-level experience would also be invaluable to Maresca’s extremely young squad, making his signing an arguable no-brainer.
“He is physical, quick, he has clean technique,” Liverpool keeper Alisson said about Maignan.
“He is very strong. He is one of the best in the world. The quality of goalkeepers has really increased – Mike Maignan is within this elite.”
