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The January transfer window may seem pretty far away at the moment, but already those responsible inside Chelsea will be putting plans in place.
The mid-season windows are never really too busy in terms of movement but when opportunities present themselves, clubs usually do take action. In January, the Mike Maignan situation may well be one Chelsea pay close attention to.
Chelsea tried to sign the 30-year-old goalkeeper early in the summer but ended up being priced out of a move. The Blues initially made an approach at the beginning of June as they looked to move on their long-term target, who was about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at AC Milan.
However, Milan were reluctant to lose the Frenchman and if they were going to, then it would be at their price - which was £25million. There were always reservations from Chelsea's perspective due to Maignan's contract situation and the possibility of him being available for much cheaper in January or on a free transfer next summer.
The Blues then decided to leave negotiations due to the disagreement over Milan's demands. Chelsea entered talks for Maignan but the club were never really unhappy about their goalkeeping situation, with Robert Sanchez finishing the 2024/25 season well and Filip Jorgensen a solid back-up option to the Spaniard.
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However, an opportunity to sign a world-class goalkeeper like Maignan presented itself - and it has not gone away either as we count down until the January window opening. Players whose deals expire in the summer can begin talks with foreign clubs to sign a pre-contract agreement from January 1.
If Chelsea were to rekindle their interest in Maignan then that is that option, or the Blues could look to strike a cut-price deal in January. If Maignan continues to dismiss the idea of signing an extension at the San Siro, then the Rossoneri will surely be more willing to sell the goalkeeper - and for a reduced fee.
Enzo Maresca, though, seems content - at least - with Sanchez at the moment. The Spaniard's distribution has improved in the first three matches of the season and there seems to be a willingness for him to kick the ball longer more than there was in the 2025/26 campaign.
Maresca was actually asked about Maignan and the club's failed pursuit of the goalkeeper back in June, but the Chelsea head coach - predictably - did not want to discuss it too extensively. "The keeper situation is simple," Maresca said. "Robert is No.1, Filip is No.2, and we will analyse and judge [Mike] Penders [who has joined Strasbourg on a season-long loan deal].
"Maignan and different players at other clubs - I don't think it is worth talking about them."
While Sanchez has improved in recent months, there remains concerns from the fan base about the goalkeeper and whether he is the right man to be there in the long term. Signing a goalkeeper like Maignan could be the last piece in the puzzle for Chelsea, who are looking to assemble together a squad capable of challenging for the biggest honours in football.
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