Frank Leboeuf has urged Chelsea to make an ‘exception’ and break from their transfer policy by signing experienced AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan this summer.
The Blues are in the market for a new number one on the back of a less-than-convincing season for Robert Sanchez.
Enzo Maresca placed his trust in Sanchez as his first-choice shot-stopper at the start of the campaign, but a series of costly mistakes over the winter period saw the 27-year-old lose his place to Filip Jorgensen..
And while Sanchez reclaimed the gloves after Jorgensen produced some shaky performances of his own, widespread reports claim Chelsea are open to offers for the error-prone Spaniard.
The likes of Aaron Ramsdale, James Trafford and Mile Svilar have been linked in recent weeks, with the west London giants scouring the market for a long-term solution between the sticks.
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But Maignan finds himself at the top of Chelsea’s wishlist and talks are ongoing with AC Milan over a possible deal for the France international, who is available for a fee of just €30million (£25m).
‘”Magic Mike” is his nickname because he’s so exceptional,’ ex-Chelsea defender Leboeuf told ESPN FC when asked about a proposed move for his fellow countryman.
‘But as much as I like him and I think he would fit perfectly to Chelsea… Chelsea have decided to give an exception in their trading business system.
‘I think they should [make an exception] where you need a new Thiago Silva.
‘It would be more interesting to have somebody as a centre-back. That would be my decision, but if they decide to go for Mike that’s a very good decision because the guy is a really good goalkeeper.
‘I know him, I appreciate him and I think he will be very useful to Chelsea.’
Chelsea put an end to weeks of speculation by announcing the arrival of Liam Delap from Ipswich earlier this evening.
The 22-year-old striker has put pen to paper on a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge and joins the club for a fee of £30million.
On Chelsea’s deal for Delap, Leboeuf said: ‘Expectations are going to be big and the pressure is going to be huge. You won’t know before you experienced it.
‘Any player wants to play for the biggest clubs and you want to try. Hopefully it’s going to work.
‘When I came to Chelsea, I was completely unknown so that was nice, but guys like Gianluca Vialli and Gianfranco Zola came with pressure, even if it wasn’t the Chelsea that we know now.’
Leboeuf hopes Chelsea supporters are patient with Delap while the young forward finds his feet in a new environment.
He added: ‘Delap is going to have pressure.
‘The fans are fed up with bad strikers and they want someone productive.
‘Let’s give him a chance and see how it works. But unless you’ve tried you will not know if you deserve to be a Chelsea striker.’
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