Milan are understood to be asking for a fee in the region of 25 million pounds for the 29-year-old, who has established himself as one of Europe's top goalkeepers since arriving from Lille in 2021. Talks are ongoing as Chelsea seek to negotiate a lower price.

Maignan, who signed a five-year contract upon joining Milan, has been a mainstay for the Rossoneri over the past three seasons, playing a pivotal role in their Serie A title win in 2022. Internationally, he became France's number one following Hugo Lloris's retirement in January 2023 and has since earned 30 caps.

Sources close to the player have indicated to BBC Sport that Maignan is open to a move to Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea continue to search for a long-term solution in goal.

The club has struggled to settle on a consistent first-choice goalkeeper since the record-breaking 71 million pounds signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao in 2018. While Kepa has spent the past two seasons out on loan at Real Madrid and Bournemouth, his long-term future at Chelsea remains uncertain.

Edouard Mendy, who replaced Kepa in the starting role and helped Chelsea win the Champions League in 2021, departed for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia last year. Since then, the Blues have brought in several goalkeepers - including Robert Sanchez from Brighton, Djordje Petrovic, and Filip Jorgensen - but none have fully cemented the number one role.

Petrovic spent last season on loan at sister club Strasbourg, while Sánchez and Jorgensen were rotated throughout the 2024–25 campaign, with inconsistent performances contributing to uncertainty over the position.

Chelsea view Maignan as a potential solution to their long-standing goalkeeping dilemma, and negotiations with Milan are expected to continue over the coming weeks.

Chelsea in talks with AC Milan over France goalkeeper Mike Maignan