Bayern Munich could facilitate a real move for Chelsea 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 his side bounce back from a dismal defeat to Brighton by overcoming Premier League champions Liverpool 2-1 last weekend.
Maresca was sent out for his jubilant celebrations after teenage sensation Estevao Willian dug deep for a key winner as he sprinted in animated fashion to celebrate with his corner players.
Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool – best performer | matched rating |
|---|---|
Moises Caiceco | 7.8/10 |
mark cucurella | 7.7/10 |
stem | 7.7/10 |
cordia gut | 7.5/10 |
Reece James | 7.3/10 |
via whoscored | |
Moises Caicedo opened the scoring with one of his goals of the season so far, beating Liverpool’s Giorgi Mar Madashvili from long range 14 minutes into the goalkeeper’s Premier League debut.
It was a night to remember for the Blues at Stamford Bridge. It can also underline that the title race is still wide open as Chelsea aim to withstand three points against Earn Slott’s side.
That said, according to some reports, Maresca is currently personally dissatisfied with his overall team selection and feels he needs to strengthen in some key areas (Simon Phillips).
The big one, of course, is the centre-back.
Maresca publicly stated that Chelsea needed another body at centre-half in the summer, but despite talking to Dean Huyssen’s camp and considering other names, the Blues did not get one on the line.
Chelsea and Maresca now reportedly agree that signing a new defender should be a priority in January, with a goalkeeper also said to be on their agenda.
The west Londoners held talks with AC Milan over the signing of French number one Mike Maignan before the Club World Cup, but the huge difference in price meant Chelsea were unable to find an agreement.
Chelsea are ready to return to 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 a ‘huge’ transfer boost.
One of the clubs vying for Maignan is Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, but according to football insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, Vincent Kompany’s side could hand over a “huge” boost by pulling out of the race.
This is a 12-month extension that will keep him in Bavaria until 2027, as Bayern are handing over long-time keeper Manuel Neuer, now 39 years old.
Chelsea had less competition for Maignan as a result.
With Robert Sanchez surrounding Robert Sanchez’s ability as a long-term No. 1, you could argue that they need to upgrade by adding a world-class, elite-level keeper who can take them to the next level.
Maignan fits the bill perfectly, especially on a free transfer.
The 30-year-old Rossoneri captain kept 64 clean sheets in 170 appearances for Milan, conceding just 173 goals to that point.
Champions of Milan, Ligue 1 champions of Lille and Serie champions, are already in his career, and Maignan’s top-level experience was also invaluable to Maresca’s very young team, making his signature undisputed.
“He’s physical, he’s quick, he’s got clean technique,” Liverpool keeper Alisson said of Maignan.
“He’s very strong. He’s one of the best in the world. The quality of goalkeepers has really improved. Mike Maignan is among this elite.”