AC Milan have set Mike Maignan a deadline to decide whether he will sign a new contract, reports claim.
Clock Ticking For Mike Maignan
As reported by FootItalia, Milan want the goalkeeper to stay, and they are open to giving him a significant pay rise.
Maignan’s current terms are set to run down at the end of the season, and progress over a renewal has been slow. He is continuing to attract interest from several clubs, while Chelsea missed out during the summer.
Despite him agreeing terms with the Stamford Bridge outfit, the two sides could not reach a compromise over the transfer fee. As a result, the stopper returned to Milan, seemingly to see out the final year of his contract.
For several months, his departure appeared inevitable, but Milan have now redoubled their efforts to keep him. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the hierarchy at the San Siro are willing to make one last push.
Massimiliano Allegri’s appointment during the summer played a role in his staying beyond the summer, with Maignan also handed the captain’s armband. Milan also have no intention of allowing him to leave in January.
However, the club also cannot afford to allow the stand-off to stretch into the latter stages of the campaign. As such, they are said to have warned Maignan he must make up his mind by February.
As part of their sales pitch, they have offered the 30-year-old a salary which could match Rafael Leao’s €7million net per year. Maignan had been asking for around €7.5m plus bonuses.
He has since lowered his expectations, but an agreement has not materialised.
AC Milan Working To Keep Mike Maignan
Ahead of Milan’s 2-2 draw with Sassuolo, sporting director Igli Tare insisted Maignan is content at the club.
He also appeared to indicate that the extension is simply being held up by finances.
“Talking about Maignan is easy because he’s an extraordinary guy, a leader and a team player,” Tare told DAZN. “We’re happy together: he likes being at Milan, and Milan are happy if Mike renews.
“We’re discussing the future, but let’s leave the numbers aside. We’ll have a chance to discuss this.”
Alisson Potential Mike Maignan Replacement
FootItalia previously reported that Alisson Becker is a potential replacement.
According to Sacha Tavolieri, talks have already been opened with the Liverpool goalkeeper’s entourage about a San Siro switch. A deal in the region of €20-25m could be enough to get the deal done.
Alisson also has experience in Serie A, having played for Roma between 2016-2018.
