AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that Mike Maignan will stay with the Rossoneri next season after the goalkeeper came close to joining Chelsea.
The Blues held extended negotiations for the French shot-stopper in June, but the move fell through on deadline day as parties failed to reach an agreement on a fee.
Standard Sport understands Milan demanded £25million, while Chelsea refused to improve on their final offer of £15m. They will head into next season with Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, and Mike Penders as first-team goalkeeper options.
Reports had circulated claiming Chelsea could reopen negotiations following the Club World Cup, but Allegri, whose return to the AC Milan dugout was announced in May, has shut down that possibility.
“Maignan remains the captain and is one of the best goalkeepers in Europe,” he told the press on Monday. “I am very happy he decided to stay.”
Allegri was desperate to keep hold of Maignan, who has just one year remaining on his AC Milan contract. He reportedly held crisis talks with the player in an attempt to convince him to stay in Italy.
The Rossoneri endured a difficult campaign last year. They missed out on a Champions League berth after finishing eighth in Serie A, and lost 1-0 to Bologna in the Coppa Italia final.
And they have added reinforcements ahead of the new campaign, with Allegri also confirming Luka Modric’s arrival.
The Croatian international will leave Real Madrid as a free agent following the Club World Cup, and is tipped to sign a one-year deal with the Italian outfit.
Allegri continued: “We are waiting for Luka Modric. He will arrive in August.
“Modric is an important and exceptional player. He does not need an introduction.”
He added that Rafael Leao is also expected to stay at the club despite concrete interest from Bayern Munich.
