Chelsea's attempt to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan has fallen through after the clubs failed to agree on a transfer fee, according to reports from west London on Tuesday.
The Blues were eager to secure the French international ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on Sunday, but could not meet AC Milan's €30 million valuation. Chelsea reportedly offered only €21 million for the goalkeeper.
Former Chelsea striker Tore Andre Flo had earlier endorsed the potential signing, describing it as a "very smart move" that would have immediately strengthened Enzo Maresca's squad.
"It sounds like a good signing to me. A club like Chelsea would improve the squad straight away if there was any doubt [over Robert Sanchez]. To me it sounds very, very smart," Flo told reporters.
The Norwegian former striker suggested that Maignan would have been an upgrade over current Chelsea number one Robert Sanchez, potentially strengthening the team's prospects in the upcoming Club World Cup tournament.
This failed transfer represents another setback for Chelsea in the current window, with reports also indicating that Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens will remain with the German club after his proposed move to Stamford Bridge collapsed.
Chelsea will now likely proceed with Sanchez as their first-choice goalkeeper for the FIFA Club World Cup, where they aim to add another international trophy to their cabinet.
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