Giornale: Galatasaray try for Milan captain after Chelsea deal collapsed – the background

Mike Maignan was approached by Galatasaray over a potential move, a report claims, but he rejected the idea of heading to Turkey.

It is well known that Galatasaray’s directors went on a mission to Italy to try to finalise the permanent acquisition of Victor Osimhen from Napoli and also resolve the future of Alvaro Morata. They were/are also looking for a goalkeeper too, and took the opportunity to try their luck.

Galatasaray try for Maignan

This morning’s edition of Il Giornale (via MilanNews) confirms that before the Club World Cup Maignan was close to joining Chelsea, but the Blues – who went on to lift the trophy after beating PSG in the final – couldn’t reach an agreement with Milan.

The deal fell through but in the following weeks another club came forward for the Frenchman, namely Galatasaray. The former Lille player turned them down though, not being convinced by the idea of moving to the Istanbul club.

In recent days, the new Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri also commented on Maignan’s decision to stay at Milan and it suggested that he has been taken off the market, if he was ever on it.

“I’m happy that Maignan has chosen to stay. He will be the captain. He’s an important player and one of the best in Europe in his position. The club did very well to convince him to stay,” he said.