Milan ponders post-Maignan: Chevalier in the crosshairs, but a former rival steps in and changes the game
Milan-Chevalier, c’è un intoppo: un ex rivale complica tutto (Foto: LaPresse) – serieanews.com
The future of Milan’s goalkeeper is a far from closed affair. One of those issues that can direct an entire season, or perhaps an entire cycle.
The main knot, today, is called Mike Maignan: the French goalkeeper, after two seasons at the highest level, seems to have lost that continuity that had made him a staple in the Rossoneri. And the subject of renewal, right now, is anything but a formality.
Negotiations to extend his contract, due to expire in 2026, have been going on for months. But the deal, for now, has not been unblocked. Maignan’s not always convincing performances this season have fueled doubts about his future. An erratic performance that has brought to the minds of insiders that drop in intensity that often accompanies an end of the cycle.
This is precisely why the Rossoneri management is working in parallel on another front: the search for a new goalkeeper. And here enters the scene Lucas Chevalier, class of 2001 from Lille, among the most interesting prospects on the European scene.
He is not an improvised name: scouts have been following him for months and the reports speak for themselves. Chevalier has the characteristics that Milan is looking for post-Maignan: responsive between the posts, skilled with his feet and cool in the exits. A modern goalkeeper capable of giving security to the department.
Lille values him at around 30 million euros, an important figure but not off the market. Relations between the two clubs, after the Leao deal, remain good. Yet, the road has become more circuitous than expected.
Il Manchester United cede Onana e complica i piani rossoneri
The reason is another European big, Manchester United, which is seriously considering Onana’s transfer. The Cameroonian goalkeeper, who arrived two years ago from Inter Milan, has not convinced and could end up in Saudi Arabia.
Il Manchester United cede Onana e complica i piani rossoneri (LaPresse) – serieanews.com
At that point, the Red Devils would put Chevalier himself in their sights for the post-Onana post. The problem? United can afford to offer far higher wages and fees than Milan. And they have no problem spending sky-high sums when it comes to getting their hands on the roster.
In the event of a firm inclusion of the English club, for the Rossoneri it would mean participating in an auction that would be difficult to sustain financially. And at that point a plan B would be needed.
One alternative would be Maignan himself. For if United does not sink on Chevalier, they could turn directly to the Milan goalkeeper, currently valued at around 30 million. A figure that would allow the Rossoneri to reinvest in the market, perhaps for Chevalier himself.
Alternatives, in any case, are not lacking. Marco Carnesecchi, a starter at Atalanta, has long been a target, although the Bergamo club does not intend to discount him. Another name circulating is that of Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, the protagonist of a super season at Torino, who is considered a reliable although second-rate goalkeeper.
This article Milan-Chevalier, there’s a hitch: a former rival complicates everything appeared in its original version first on SerieANews.
