Chelsea transfer news: Enzo Maresca's hopes of signing goalkeeper 'kept alive' as 'ideal option' is realistic target

Chelsea have reportedly identified AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan as their ideal option ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Blues were once again one of the Premier League's biggest spenders, with the Londoners expenditure exceeding £300m this summer.

Enzo Maresca's side should be credited for also raising more than £300m in sales, though many supporters believe that the Blues failed to address all of their needs in the market.

Centre-back Levi Colwill was not replaced despite the defender suffering a serious knee injury, while there are also a number of question marks regarding Robert Sanchez's place in goal.

Fichajes report that though Chelsea found negotiations with AC Milan for shot-stopper Maignan difficult this summer, the Frenchman is top of their list next summer due to the fact his contract expires at the end of the season.

Robert Sanchez assessed: Can goalkeeper help Chelsea win the Premier League?

Sanchez was signed from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2023, and he is contracted to play for the Blues until 2030.

The length of his deal could make it difficult to move him on, but keeping him at Stamford Bridge may prove to be detrimental to the team's chances of winning the Premier League.

Sanchez is adept with the ball at his feet, but he has often been guilty in the past of making erratic decisions that have led to opposition goals.

The last three goalkeepers to win the Premier League as starters for their clubs - Alisson Becker, Ederson and Thibaut Courtois - have all been reliable shot-stoppers, and it is hard to see Chelsea getting over the line without a new number one between the posts.

Have Chelsea failed to capitalise on Enzo Maresca's work?

It is impossible to criticise Chelsea for a lack of expenditure under the direction of Todd Boehly given the club have spent more than £1.5bn since he took control of the Blues in May 2022.

There is an argument that the spending since Boehly's takeover has not always been targeted in the right areas given the club have often looked to sign younger talents in hope of either developing them or selling them on for profit.

Chelsea did not sign a single player over the age of 23 in the summer of 2025, and there are fears that the Blues' policy of not bringing in more experienced pros could cost the club the chance of silverware.

Maresca managed to win both the Conference League and the Club World during his tenure at Stamford Bridge, but it remains to be seen if he can continue to meet expectations with younger stars in his starting XI.