Moretto: ‘Agreements with other clubs’ – Milan’s internal fear regarding Maignan

Matteo Moretto has revealed that there are figures within AC Milan who believe Mike Maignan could sign a pre-contract elsewhere.

During the summer transfer window, Maignan was believed to be pushing for a move to Chelsea but no transfer fee was agreed with Milan before the Club World Cup. In the end the Frenchman stayed, with Massimiliano Allegri even making him the club captain.

However, a more daunting crossroads is approaching. Maignan’s deal has less than 12 months to run and there are no signs that he is close to signing an extension with Milan. If anything, most of the speculation has been about a renewal being difficult and Chelsea potentially trying again.

‘Completely at a standstill’

Matteo Moretto – in a video on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel – gave an update on Maignan’s contract situation and he gave some worrying news. MilanNews relayed his comments.

“One of the most talked-about players in the coming months will be Mike Maignan. In reality, the French goalkeeper was one of the stars of the Rossoneri’s summer transfer window when he was close, very close, to leaving Milan already in this last transfer window,” he said.

“Chelsea offered around €10-13m. The base salary was more like €10m, and with bonuses it could have been closer to €15m, but the truth is that the two clubs didn’t reach an agreement on his value. Chelsea expected Milan to accept a relatively low fee, but that wasn’t the case.

Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

“Milan turned Chelsea down and decided to speak openly with Maignan, reaching a short-term agreement. Important discussions were held with Max Allegri, and the parties mutually agreed to move forward together for this season, which is crucial for rebuilding after the last few difficult years.

“Milan want to reach the Champions League; it’s their primary objective for this year, and reaching the Champions League will also require Maignan, the team’s captain. Currently, the parties are far apart regarding a renewal.

“Maignan’s contract expires in 2026; he’s 30 years old, and the parties haven’t resumed talks regarding a possible renewal. The situation is currently completely at a standstill. There are those within Milan who suspect that Maignan, starting in January, will decide to reach agreements with other clubs on a free transfer.

“The more time passes, the more this idea is gaining traction. The truth is that there’s no real contact between Milan and the goalkeeper regarding a possible contract extension. We’ll see if Chelsea will revisit him or if other transfer opportunities arise.”