“He was available” – Mikel names player Chelsea should have signed, “absolutely no idea” why they didn’t | OneFootball

John Obi Mikel has admitted he can’t understand why Chelsea didn’t sign Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG in the summer.

Chelsea as usual were busy in the summer, and made five attacking signings as they completely revamped their front line.

Jorrel Hato also arrived as much needed cover at left back for Marc Cucurella, but there was disappointment from supporters a new goalkeeper wasn’t signed.

John Obi Mikel wanted Chelsea to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma

Chelsea didn’t take the chance to sign Mike Maignan as they weren’t prepared to get close to AC Milan’s valuation.

Instead they opted to stick with their current options of Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen for the second consecutive season.

Donnarumma ended up joining Manchester City in the summer. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Mikel has acknowledged Sanchez has improved this season, but the Chelsea legend revealed he can’t understand why the Blues didn’t move for Donnarumma.

“Donnarumma for me was, you know, he was out there,” he told The Obi One Podcast.

“He was available in the market. Why we didn’t get him? I have absolutely no idea.

“I’ve said it so many times, you know, I don’t care and I’ll still say it. I just think that for me, Sanchez, I feel he’s not the goalkeeper that will take us to the next level.”

Chelsea were linked with Donnarumma, but nothing materialised and the Italy international ended up making the switch to Manchester City.

Chelsea view Mike Penders as long term number one

Chelsea also have talented youngster Mike Penders on their books, and it’s believed the 20-year-old is a big reason the Blues didn’t sign another keeper.

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Penders is currently on loan at Strasbourg, with Chelsea said to be impressed with the progress he’s making in France.

The Blues are said to believe Penders is special, and they now need to make the right call on when they feel he’s ready to take the big step up.