Chelsea preparing opening bid for French keeper

Chelsea are preparing an opening bid to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan this summer, according to Corriere dello Sport.

The west London giants were hot on the trail of the Frenchman last summer, but could not secure a suitable agreement with the Rossoneri.

Milan wanted at least 30 million euros for France's number one, but the Blues were reluctant to pay more than 15 million euros for him.

Maignan ended up continuing with the Serie A giants. He has since signed a new long-term contract with the Rossoneri until June 2029.

It is now reported that the Blues are back in for the former Lille man and are prepared to make a first offer for his services pretty soon.

Chelsea have a strained relationship with Milan after last summer's saga, but they remain optimistic of landing Maignan this time around.

The Blues believe they can strike an agreement for around 25 million euros upfront with a further five million euros in form of add-ons.