Chelsea make ‘IMMEDIATE OFFER’ for world-class star after devastating injury blow

Robin Bairner

• 23 Mar 2024 10:18 GMT
• 5 min read

Chelsea are preparing to hurry through their first transfer of the summer following an injury to Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois that has transformed the Blues’ plans.

Courtois, who played at Stamford Bridge between 2011 and 2018, is now No.1 goalkeeper at the Bernabeu – or at least he would be if he were able to stay fit.

The Belgium international has not featured this season because of a ruptured ACL in his left knee, suffered back in August.

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He recently returned to training but has since succumbed to another major issue. This time, Courtois has torn the meniscus in his right knee.

Real Madrid have not put a timescale on his return, but he has undergone surgery and is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2024/25 campaign.

Chelsea move for Maignan

Chelsea have been shaken into action following this news, according to Fichajes.

The Blues have been tracking AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan for “some time” and are now preparing an “immediate offer” in anticipation of Real Madrid moving for the France No.1. Indeed, Chelsea were linked with the shot-stopper last summer and most recently in December.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side are also suffering from a goalkeeping crisis.

Robert Sanchez has not come up to scratch following his arrival last summer from Brighton, and while Djordje Petrovic has performed well as a replacement, he is not seen as having the level that is required to attain Chelsea’s goals.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, meanwhile, is already out of the picture. After falling behind Sanchez in the pecking order last summer, he was shipped to Real Madrid in the wake of Courtois’ injury.

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He has found his luck no better there, falling behind Andriy Lunin to play backup in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.

Chelsea would love to make that deal a permanent one, and while Courtois’ injury opens the door to that possibility, Real Madrid are unlikely to spend heavily on someone who would most likely be a substitute option.

As for Maignan, striking a transfer deal seems complicated for the Blues. The 28-year-old former Lille and PSG shot-stopper is reportedly close to signing a new deal with Milan.