Chelsea can finally give Enzo Maresca what he wants with clever free transfer in January

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Chelsea were heavily linked with a move for AC Milan's goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, during the summer transfer window just gone

Chelsea could finally grant Enzo Maresca's wish for reinforcements in one key position with a clever free transfer during the January window.

The west London giants had a busy summer with 10 additions; including the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho. However, one position they did not strengthen was the goalkeeping department, instead selling out-of-favour shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga to rivals Arsenal for £5million, and Djordje Petrovic to Bournemouth for roughly £25million.

Throughout the summer, Chelsea were heavily linked with AC Milan's Mike Maignan. The 30-year-old was tipped to make the switch to Stamford Bridge, but the Blues eventually cooled their interest in the Frenchman after failing to agree a fee.

A report from The Guardian at the time claimed the Serie A outfit were seeking a fee in the region of £21million; a figure Chelsea deemed too high for a player with just a year left on his contract.

Now, as January's window approaches, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will revisit their interest. It emerged last month that Maignan does not intend to renew his contract with Milan and is therefore set to be available as a free agent at the end of the current season.

From the New Year, Maignan will be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of Italy ahead of a possible move in the summer. Interested clubs could also test the waters with Milan by offering a nominal fee to sign him in January - should the Serie A giants prefer not to lose their goalkeeper for nothing in six months' time.

Sky Sports Switzerland reported recently Chelsea had reopened discussions with Maignan's representatives and are leading the chase for his signature. Juventus have also been credited with interest in the player, but the desire to fulfil a lifelong dream of playing in the Premier League could sway the matter.

From Chelsea's perspective, Robert Sanchez has enjoyed a promising campaign between the sticks. The 28-year-old's importance was highlighted by his impressive assist for Pedro in the recent win against Newcastle.

In the meantime, however, it appears Chelsea's hierarchy may instead be prioritising targets in other areas of the pitch. Widespread reports emerged on Monday claiming that they have now thrown their name into the mix for Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, who is also attracting interest from many of the Blues's top-six rivals this winter.

The window opens on January 1 and will remain open until 7pm on February 2. Before that, however, Chelsea must first navigate tricky Premier League home fixtures against Aston Villa and Bournemouth.