Chelsea decided not to sign Man City star in the summer | OneFootball

Chelsea goalkeeper transfer plan points to long-term solution

Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation is evolving with an eye firmly on the future. The club’s decision not to pursue Gianluigi Donnarumma in the summer raised eyebrows, but it appears a longer-term vision is guiding their choices. As reported by TeamTalk.

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Current challenges between the posts

Robert Sanchez’s red card against Manchester United has added to the uncertainty, his rash decision to charge out of the penalty box drawing frustration. Filip Jorgensen’s unconvincing midweek display in the narrow win over Lincoln City only increased concerns about reliability in this position.

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Coaching staff had pushed for reinforcements in the summer. Yet Chelsea opted to stay patient, trusting their current options despite risks. That strategy now looks fragile as performances fluctuate.

Focus turns to Mike Maignan

The reasoning behind not moving for Donnarumma is believed to rest on interest in AC Milan’s Mike Maignan. Chelsea failed to reach agreement on a fee earlier this year, but with the French international entering the final year of his contract, hope remains alive.

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Maignan, 30, is thought to regard Chelsea as his preferred choice should he leave Milan in 2026. For the club, it would represent a coup, filling the gap until highly regarded prospect Mike Penders is ready to step up.

Strategic patience

By waiting, Chelsea could secure Maignan at a reduced price, a move that aligns with their longer-term approach. The gamble, of course, is whether current options can sustain ambitions in the short term while the club manoeuvres in the market.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The current goalkeeping situation at Chelsea feels like walking a tightrope. On one side is the desire to back the existing players, but on the other is the glaring reality that neither Sanchez nor Jorgensen has convinced fans they are long-term answers.

Supporters remember the days of Petr Čech and Thibaut Courtois, goalkeepers who instilled calm and authority. Right now, that sense of security is missing. When Sanchez charged out against Manchester United, it did not just cost the team in the moment, it underlined why doubts linger. Jorgensen’s unsteady showing against Lincoln only deepened those worries.

Mike Maignan is a proven international, still in his prime, and with the leadership qualities to stabilise the backline, he could be exactly what Chelsea need. Fans would welcome the signing as a statement that the club are not settling but aiming for excellence.

Yet there is also impatience. Waiting another season or more feels risky, especially with the Premier League demanding consistency every week. Supporters want silverware, and the sense is that without a dependable figure in goal, ambitions could be undermined. Many will hope that patience pays off, but the expectation is clear: a top goalkeeper must be part of Chelsea’s near future.