logo
AC Milan boss Max Allegri speaks out on future of Chelsea target Mike Maignan

AC Milan boss Max Allegri speaks out on future of Chelsea target Mike Maignan

Metro17 hours ago
Mike Maignan is staying at AC Milan, despite interest from Chelsea this summer, confirmed manager Massimiliano Allegri.
The Frenchman became a target for the Blues before the Club World Cup, with the goalkeeper reportedly interested in a move to Stamford Bridge.
However, the two clubs could not agree on a fee for the 30-year-old, with the Premier League outfit unwilling to pay more than £15m for his services.
AC Milan wanted at least £20m for their captain, despite him only having one year left on his contract at the San Siro.
With a relatively small gap between the two valuations, it seemed possible that Chelsea could return with an acceptable bid for the experienced 'keeper.
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.
However, Allegri says Maignan has decided to stay with the club he joined in 2021, with a move to west London off the table.
'Maignan remains the captain and is one of the best goalkeepers in Europe,' Allegri said on Monday. 'I am very happy he decided to stay.'
Chelsea's goalkeeping situation was an issue last season, with Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen battling for the gloves and neither of them looking especially convincing when they had them.
The club clearly acknowledged the problem by pursuing Maignan, but the issue remains unresolved now he is staying at the San Siro.
The 57-year-old Milan boss also ruled out an exit for Portugal international Rafael Leao, who has been linked with a move this summer.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich have all been touted as possible destinations for the winger, but Allegri insists Leao is not leaving either.
'Rafa can do excellent things next season. I'm sure I can bring out that extra something he's been missing,' said Allegri.
'He's reaching the age where a player performs at his peak.' More Trending
There is set to be at least one high profile arrival at AC Milan this summer, with Luka Modric arriving from Real Madrid.
The veteran midfielder turns 40 in September, but will play in Serie A for the first time next season, joining his new teammates when he has finished his duties at the Club World Cup.
'We are waiting for Luka Modric,' said Allegri. 'He will arrive in August, he is currently with his team at the Club World Cup.
'Luka Modric is an important and exceptional player. He does not need an introduction.'
MORE: Chelsea set asking price for Man Utd to sign Christopher Nkunku
MORE: Manchester United tracking Valencia midfielder but face competition
MORE: Why Manchester United failed in Victor Osimhen pursuit as he chooses next club
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Micah Richards left 'scratching his head' over £50m Arsenal transfer decision
Micah Richards left 'scratching his head' over £50m Arsenal transfer decision

Daily Mirror

time28 minutes ago

  • Daily Mirror

Micah Richards left 'scratching his head' over £50m Arsenal transfer decision

Arsenal are weighing up a move for the £50m-rated Noni Madueke from Chelsea as their summer transfer business ramps up but Micah Richards has raised concerns over where he fits into their team Micah Richards admits he's "scratching his head" as to where Noni Madueke would fit in at Arsenal given their interest in the Chelsea star. Mikel Arteta is ramping up his recruitment and the England international is now on his radar. The winger enjoyed a strong season with the Blues, coming up with 16 goals and assists as the west Londoners claimed the UEFA Conference League. He's also broken into the Three Lions squad but does appear to be below Pedro Neto in the pecking order - with new signings arriving too in the shape of Jamie Gittens and Brazilian teenager Estevao. ‌ It has led to talk of a move across London to the Emirates, with Arsenal monitoring his situation, although his £50million price tag could prove to be a sticking point. Nevertheless Richards doesn't understand why Arsenal are pursuing someone who operates in the same position as Bukayo Saka. ‌ The team's talisman is a guaranteed starter and it would require Madueke to play from his less favoured left side if he were to join. Richards has backed the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad but believes the focus now must be on landing a No 9. He said on The Rest is Football podcast: "I like Zubimendi. We saw him in the Euros final, when Rodri came off. Very good player, tactically really good. He's good on the ball, really good awareness in midfield. Gyokeres is a really good striker. I think a striker is more important than getting Madueke in first. READ MORE: Arsenal chief Andrea Berta flies out for final talks over £70m Viktor Gyokeres transfer "Madueke… where is he going to play? He's been playing for Chelsea on the left recently. I really like him as a player, but I like him on the right and he's not going to play ahead of Bukayo Saka, is he? ‌ "So, I'm scratching my head on that one. I agree [that they need two players in every position]. But Saka is always fit normally, until he got that really bad injury." With Chelsea continuing to land new arrivals Madueke could fall further down the pecking order, opening the door to a move away after just over two years at Stamford Bridge. Enzo Maresca has also made it clear that he only wants "happy" players on his books. ‌ The Italian, when quizzed on his winger, said: "Noni has been very important for us. But my message to the players and to the club is that I just want players that are happy to be with us. The ones that are not happy, they are free to go. Noni has been very good during the season." Arsenal's recent captures from their London rivals include Jorginho, who contributed during his spell before leaving this summer. Raheem Sterling's loan signing 12 months ago was far less successful with the ex-Manchester City man struggling for form. This summer they've landed the signature of Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Man Utd 'pull plug' on big-money Amazon documentary due to Ruben Amorim
Man Utd 'pull plug' on big-money Amazon documentary due to Ruben Amorim

Daily Mirror

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mirror

Man Utd 'pull plug' on big-money Amazon documentary due to Ruben Amorim

Manchester United had been in talks of have their own 'All or Nothing' series filmed by Amazon but Ruben Amorim is against the idea and club bosses have now said no to the deal Manchester United have backed out of having their own documentary filmed by Amazon as Ruben Amorim fears it could become a distraction. The Premier League giants had been in discussions for months about having their own 'All or Nothing' series. Already Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham have had their own fly-on-the-wall documentaries filmed, but it requires the club opening up their doors, which their head coach wasn't willing to allow. ‌ It is understood Amazon were prepared to pay £10million to gain access but the man in the dugout hasn't pulled the plug on the deal, which had been in the pipeline. Amorim was the driving force behind saying no after the concept was put to him. ‌ It was discussed during a meeting of the club's executive committee, who were all united in backing the manager's stance and no documentary will now take place, according to reports. Other factors like the nature of the commercial agreement were cited as factors, as reported by the Telegraph. Amorim knows he is under pressure to produce results and having the cameras up close and personal may not aid his cause. He has a shocking record since taking charge, which led United to post their worst ever Premier League season as they finished down in 15th. The Portuguese boss needs a big pre-season - on and off the pitch - if he is to turn things around. He knows that a slow start will only add pressure. Having cameras inside the dressing room for potentially defining moments is ideal for broadcast, but unlikely to be high on Amorim's wish list. ‌ There was a financial motive to having Amazon involved with the club making no secret of their need to consider the balance sheet. A post-season tour to Asia was almost solely financially driven and the extra cash could've eased any pressure, but they will now do without the streaming service's money. The previous docs that have been made it the past have had to cover the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham, which led to Jose Mourinho's return to management. The series on Arsenal began with them sitting bottom of the league as some fans turned on Arteta. It also leaves the club - and certain individuals - open to very public criticism as their methods and reactions to instances during the season are broadcast for the world to see. United's hierarchy would also have need to be visible and potentially explain some of their less popular decisions. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Pedro details Maresca's message on his role at Chelsea after £50m transfer
Pedro details Maresca's message on his role at Chelsea after £50m transfer

Daily Mirror

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mirror

Pedro details Maresca's message on his role at Chelsea after £50m transfer

Chelsea have spent big again this summer and Joao Pedro is set to be their next debutant after joining from Brighton in a £50million transfer and being thrust straight into their Club World Cup squad Joao Pedro revealed how he stepped off the beach in Rio to become a world champion. Incredibly, Brazil striker Pedro, 23, was sunning himself on holiday last week and is now set to play in the Club World Cup semi-final in New York. Pedro actually even revealed that he hired a personal trainer because he was aware of Chelsea 's interest and wanted to be in top physical condition so he could fly to the United States. ‌ Chelsea striker Pedro, who moved to Stamford Bridge in a £60m switch from Brighton, made his debut in the quarter-final win over Palmeiras just 48 hours after signing. And he is now ready to go after flying from holidays in Brazil to join up with Enzo Maresca's Chelsea squad in the United States. ‌ 'I was in Brazil on holiday with my friends, on the beach and Brazilian food is nice and spending time with my friends,' said Pedro. 'I was in Rio but I had a personal trainer and I trained as well so I was ready. "Imagine if I didn't train and Chelsea called me to come then it would be more difficult for me. I was on holiday with friends and family but I made sure I was ready. I knew Chelsea had an interest in me so that's why I was training harder and when they called me to come here I was ready, not 100 per cent but ready enough to come here and train. 'I made my debut and I think I showed I am ready and now I hope to play [against Fluminense]. It was a great experience so let's see. I always give 100 per cent and I think I took my opportunity and why I came here to play. If I'm going to start or not, it's not my decision but I will try to improve, be ready for Enzo and if he needs me.' ‌ Pedro actually started his career with Fluminense, then went to Watford before his £30m move to Brighton and now he is Chelsea's latest signing. It has been a sharp learning curve but Pedro insists that he is ready for the step up and challenge of playing in the Champions League next season. Chelsea now face Pedro's first club and Blues legend Thiago Silva who is 40 and still going strong for Fluminense. He said: 'When I left Watford I was in the Championship, then I went to Brighton, if you watch the group stage of the Europa League I was top scorer and I'm ready for a new challenge. That's why I joined Chelsea. 'Of course Fluminense will be special because I spent a lot of time and years there, I grew up there and it will be an unbelievable experience but now I play for Chelsea so I need to focus on my team and who plays better will win the game. Thiago Silva is a legend in my country, I have a lot of respect for him but now he plays for the other side!' ‌ Pedro knows he will have to battle it out with the likes of Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap for a regular starting place at Stamford Bridge. Delap is suspended for the Fluminense semi-final after getting two yellow cards in the tournament but the competition does not worry Pedro. And he says he offers something different. He added: 'Every team has a different style to play, Delap has a style, Jackson another and I have my way. But I think it's good for Chelsea. I would say I am a striker. I like to play as a number nine. But also I like to feel free on the pitch. And that's what Enzo said to me: 'Play like a number nine but come deeper to link up with the other players.' 'I am a very technical player. I like to score as well. I play like a nine, but I also have the mind of a ten as well. This combination will be good for my teammates and for Chelsea." 'I think who brings more good things to the team is going to play. Everyone will have to work hard and then Enzo will decide. He is a very good coach , very intelligent and he tries to make it easy for us. I feel very comfortable. The guys are very welcoming and helpful to me. I'm very grateful to be here, to be at Chelsea so, yeah, very happy.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store