Chelsea are reportedly after Barcelona goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen after failing to sign Mike Maignan. It can be a real possibility in the coming days. Sources have confirmed that AC Milan have rejected multiple offers made by Chelsea. The English club were planning to rope in the French international as a replacement for Roberto Sanchez. The latest rumours are that Chelsea have set their eyes on Barcelona legend, Ter Stegen. For the next few days, this rumour is expected to gain further maturity.
Why Ter Stegen to Chelsea Can be a Real Possibility
Since returning from the long-term injury, Ter Stegen’s career has suddenly hit a pause. Due to his ACL injury, Barcelona went on to sign Polish goalkeeper Szczesny. In his debut season with Barcelona, he put up a commendable performance under Hansi Flick. Ter Stegen was supposed to come back as the 1st choice custodian.
However, the Catalonian club has signed Joan Garcia from Espanyol on a multi-year contract. Moreover, Szczesny has agreed to a 1 year contract extension. This sudden change of plans has shocked Ter Stegen. He had already expressed his wish to continue at Barca but things have taken an interesting turn. Ter Stegen’s camp believes that with the inclusion of Garcia and Szczesny, Barcelona have sent a message that the player is not in Flick’s plans. Amidst the circumstances, Ter Stegen is open to joining a new team. This is why Chelsea have come to the race. Barcelona is open to sell Ter Stegen but they demand a compelling offer for the 33-year-old German.
What Actually Happened between Chelsea and Maignan
Chelsea are concerned about their goalkeeping spot. Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to join Arsenal as a new goalkeeper from Chelsea. The Blues are currently competing in the FIFA Club World Cup. Although, Roberto Sanchez is playing as the main goalkeeper, head coach Enzo Maresca has asked the club for a better player in that position. Chelsea contacted AC Milan and showed their strong interest in Mike Maignan. Maignan is the first-choice goalkeeper of AC Milan, and his contract ends in 2026. Chelsea initiated talks with the French goalkeeper and felt quite confident. But in the end, Chelsea have failed to bring in Maignan at the Stamford Bridge. They tried to pull off a ‘steal deal’ and offered €15 million to AC Milan. But the AC Milan CEO, Giorgio Furlani, has turned down the transfer fee immediately. The Italian club claimed the amount to be very low. Maignan wants to leave AC Milan and he has not yet agreed to extend his contract. After losing Reijnders to Manchester City, AC Milan cannot afford to lose their main goalkeeper for free. Meanwhile, Chelsea are ready to open talks with Milan with a revised transfer fee (£25 million).
Manchester United are also in the Fray to Sign Ter Stegen
Chelsea are not the only club that has eyes on Ter Stegen development in Barcelona. Several sources have claimed that Manchester United have already enquired about the availability of Marc Andre Ter Stegen. Ruben Amorim has told the club to sign a good goalkeeper as he is not satisfied with the performances of Andre Onana. The Red Devils were after Argentine goalkeeper Emi Martinez. But the negotiations collapsed between Aston Villa and Man U. Chelsea now have to face a serious competition with the club from Manchester over Ter Stegen. Chelsea need Ter Stegan as they are short of a goalkeeper. Manchester United, on the other hand, want to make it difficult for Onana and they are ready to go for Ter Stegen.
Author’s Opinion
As things stand, Ter Stegen is set to leave Barcelona in the summer. As Chelsea remain in the pole position, Barcelona might start negotiating with the London-based club if an official offer arrives. If everything goes well, Ter Stegen will move to Chelsea ahead of the next season.
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