Chelsea Line Up Two Backup Options If Maignan Deal Fails

LONDON  — Chelsea have identified Burnley’s James Trafford and Lille’s Lucas Chevalier as alternative goalkeeper targets should negotiations with AC Milan for Mike Maignan prove unsuccessful, sources close to the club confirmed Tuesday.

The Blues remain in active discussions with Milan regarding French international Maignan, 29, who enters the final year of his contract. The Italian club maintains a €30 million (£25.2 million) valuation, though Chelsea hope to leverage the player’s contract situation to secure a reduced fee.

Contingency Plans Activated

Should talks stall, Chelsea’s sporting directors have prepared two viable alternatives:

1. James Trafford (22)

   • Record-breaking 2023-24 Championship season (16 goals conceded in 46 games)

   • Currently valued at £30m+ by Burnley

   • Also attracting interest from Newcastle

2. Lucas Chevalier (23)

   • 2024-25 Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year

   • Considered among Europe’s top young shot-stoppers

   • Aston Villa also monitoring as Martinez replacement

“Both fit Chelsea’s model of acquiring young, high-potential assets,” noted transfer analyst Simon Phillips. “Chevalier particularly matches their data profile for modern sweeper-keepers.”

Broader Context

• Current Chelsea keepers: Đorđe Petrović (24), Robert Sánchez (26)

• Martinez expected to leave Aston Villa this summer

• Milan may need to sell Maignan to fund their own rebuild