Chelsea Target World-Class Goalkeeper, Prioritising Maignan Over Gittens

Liam Delap`s signing marked Enzo Maresca`s initial acquisition for Chelsea in the 2025 summer transfer window.

With the prospect of Champions League football returning for the first time since the 2022/23 season, Maresca is expected to invest significantly to prepare his squad for the group stages.

Consequently, the club has been linked with numerous attacking talents recently, including Hugo Ekitike, whom the manager is reportedly keen to bring to Stamford Bridge.

However, his potential £84m price tag could be a significant hurdle. Samu Aghehowa is another striker on Maresca`s radar, but securing his services could cost Chelsea a similar amount if they are serious about a move to London.

The club is also looking to strengthen its wide attacking options. Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens is a talent the Blues are reportedly eager to sign before the next season begins.

Update on Chelsea`s Interest in Jamie Gittens

Gittens has been linked with a move to Chelsea in recent weeks, and it appears the club`s interest is serious.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs on Sunday, Dortmund wants around £42m for Jamie Gittens. Chelsea`s initial offer of £30m was rejected, but talks are continuing positively. Chelsea is prepared to wait until after the June 10 deadline if a breakthrough isn`t reached before the Club World Cup.

Less than a year ago, Gittens was highly regarded as Dortmund`s future star, expected to follow the path of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham.

However, since Nico Kovac took over as coach, the young player has reportedly struggled to adapt to his system, and it now appears the club is open to selling the winger.

Since his debut in the 2021/22 season, the 20-year-old has accumulated over 100 competitive appearances for the club.

During this period, he has contributed a total of 31 goals (17 goals and 14 assists), establishing himself as one of Europe`s most promising young wingers.

While signing a player of Gittens` calibre this summer is tempting, does the club genuinely need another wide option?

Considering they have also signed Sporting CP winger Geovany Quenda, alongside existing players like Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, Tyrique George, and Mykhaylo Mudryk (upon his return from suspension), this area of the squad is already quite congested.

Instead of allocating another £40m-£50m on a player like Gittens, regardless of his talent, directing these funds towards other areas of the squad might be a greater priority.

For instance, acquiring a new goalkeeper.

Chelsea Preparing Bid for New Goalkeeper

It is well-known that the Blues have struggled to find a consistent number one goalkeeper in recent years.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Edouard Mendy, and Robert Sanchez have all occupied the position recently, but none have fully convinced the fanbase, with Kepa and Sanchez particularly noted for errors.

Therefore, signing a new `keeper this summer should be a key focus for Maresca.

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea has informed AC Milan of their willingness to pay a transfer fee in the region of €15m (£12.6m) for Mike Maignan.

It`s a fee that could bring them closer to completing a move, with journalist Graeme Bailey reporting on the situation that the Blues now anticipate signing the Frenchman in time for the Club World Cup.

The Milan first-choice goalkeeper has been with the Italian club since summer 2021, making 163 appearances. He has impressed at both club and international level, recently featuring against Germany in the Nations League.

If Maresca intends to strengthen his options between the posts, securing the 29-year-old is clearly a necessity.

Why Mike Maignan is a More Suitable Signing Than Jamie Gittens

While the Blues possess numerous wingers capable of making an impact under Maresca, their goalkeeping department leaves considerable room for improvement.

Last season, both Sanchez (34 appearances) and Filip Jorgensen (23 appearances) featured for the club.