Key Takeaways:
- Chelsea chose not to pursue Gianluigi Donnarumma during the summer transfer window, focusing instead on a long-term recruitment plan.
- The club maintains hope of signing AC Milan’s Mike Maignan as contract negotiations with the Italian club remain unresolved.
- Robert Sanchez’s recent red card and Filip Jorgensen’s concerning performance have intensified scrutiny of Chelsea’s current goalkeeping options.
Transfer Decisions and Future Planning
Chelsea’s unexpected decision to forgo a move for Gianluigi Donnarumma during the summer generated considerable discussion, yet sources at TEAMtalk indicate this is part of a broader vision the club hopes to realise. Donnarumma ultimately joined Manchester City, where he has wasted no time in establishing himself and instilling fresh resolve at The Etihad.
Meanwhile, Chelsea face heightened uncertainty over their goalkeeping situation. On Saturday, Robert Sanchez was dismissed against Manchester United after a rash choice to leave his penalty area, and Filip Jorgensen’s display in the midweek win over Lincoln City in the League One competition has only exacerbated concerns.
The idea of securing a new goalkeeper in the summer was weighed internally, with elements of the coaching staff arguing such a move was essential for genuine trophy contention. Nevertheless, the leadership resolved to retain their current roster of keepers.
🗣 Ian Wright on Donnarumma: "Why didn’t Chelsea buy him? I heard it was to do with the money, wasn’t it? It’s to do with the money that PSG were not giving him anymore."
~ @WeAreTheOverlap pic.twitter.com/OfF0sQB546
— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) September 25, 2025
Pursuit of Maignan and Implications
Insiders suggest that Chelsea’s decision not to contest for Donnarumma, who transferred from Paris Saint-Germain, was motivated by optimism surrounding the possible acquisition of AC Milan’s Mike Maignan. The club previously failed to secure Maignan earlier in the summer due to an inability to reach terms with Milan. However, with Maignan in the final year of his contract, Chelsea are watching developments closely and believe a deal remains feasible.
Maignan, who is 30 years old, reportedly has a strong interest in joining Chelsea, who continue to be his top preference should he depart Milan in 2026. To date, there has been no indication of progress towards a contract extension with the Serie A club.
Should Maignan join, the move could provide experience while giving highly-rated young prospect Mike Penders time to develop before stepping up as first-choice in future campaigns.
| Player | Current Club | Contract Situation | Chelsea Interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gianluigi Donnarumma | Manchester City | Signed in the summer | No official bid |
| Mike Maignan | AC Milan | Final contract year, no extension agreed | Remains a top target |
Current Situation and Upcoming Fixtures
Following the mixed fortunes of their goalkeepers, Chelsea are preparing to face Brighton at Stamford Bridge in their next Premier League clash on Saturday.
Elsewhere, developments within the squad continue to draw attention. Enzo Maresca has publicly criticised Chelsea duo Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi, who are currently training away from the main group amid uncertainty regarding their roles at the club. Meanwhile, speculation continues around Chelsea’s January transfer activity, particularly after Jose Mourinho’s return to Benfica, with growing interest in defender Antonio Silva.
As Chelsea move forward, supporters and analysts alike will be watching closely to see which new arrivals will have the most significant effect on the team’s fortunes during this campaign.
