Chelsea Closing In on AC Milan Star Mike Maignan

Chelsea are on the verge of completing the signing of Mike Maignan from AC Milan, with a full agreement expected to be signed on Monday, June 9, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport and Calciomercato.com.

The 29-year-old French international has already agreed personal terms with the Blues, and only the final paperwork stands between him and a move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea initially entered negotiations with a budget of no more than €15 million, but Milan have successfully pushed the fee up slightly. The two clubs are now set to settle on a deal worth around €18 million—a figure that’s still seen as a bargain for a goalkeeper of Maignan's calibre.

The relatively low transfer fee is largely due to the fact that Maignan’s contract with AC Milan runs until 2026, giving the Italian club limited leverage in negotiations as they look to reshape their squad ahead of the new season.

There is, however, a time-sensitive twist: if Chelsea want Maignan registered in time for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, the deal must be officially announced before Tuesday evening.