Former France & Chelsea defender: Milan star ‘Maignan is just what Chelsea need’ | OneFootball

Former Chelsea and France defender Frank Leboeuf believes AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan would be the ideal signing to take Chelsea to the next level.

Speaking about the Rossoneri star to the Italian Football Podcast, Leboeuf made no secret of his admiration for Maignan’s qualities, describing him as “world-class” and a natural leader. “Of course, Magic Mike, I don’t want to steal him from Milan, but the guy is world-class,” he said. “He is so talented. I saw him playing in France and I’ve followed him in Italy.”

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Mike Maignan of AC Milan celebrates after the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Leboeuf highlighted Maignan’s athleticism and presence, adding: “He is a pure talent. He is a cat, I call him a cat, he can jump and catch the ball like crazy. And he is a leader. He is what Chelsea needs.”

Lebouef: Like they needed a Thiago Silva, Chelsea need a Mike Maignan

While praising Chelsea’s current No.1, Leboeuf argued that Maignan would still represent a clear upgrade. “Roberto Sánchez is doing great right now but has made so many mistakes. He is not as talented with his feet as Mike. Maignan would be a plus, definitely a plus.”

The former defender drew a comparison with another Chelsea great, insisting that Maignan could have a similar impact. “Chelsea needed Thiago Silva to settle down the defence. They will need a Mike Maignan to make the difference,” he explained, before jokingly apologising to Milan supporters for his enthusiasm.

Leboeuf also spoke more broadly about French talent in Serie A, praising the growing interest in players such as Ange-Yoan Bonny and others. “If Italian teams are interested in French players, it means they have proven they have talent and consistency,” he said. “They can perform at the highest level.”

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Ange-Yoan Bonny of Internazionale battles for possession with Nikola Moro of Bologna FC 1909 during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Reflecting on the depth available to France coach Didier Deschamps, Leboeuf added: “When you have players like Mbappé, Dembélé, Barcola and so many others, it’s insane. Deschamps is lucky, he has the choices of a king.”