Maignan follows familiar pattern of Donnarumma, Kessie, Calhanoglu and Romagnoli

On Tuesday there was a sudden, practically definitive, slowdown in the negotiations between Milan and Chelsea for the transfer of Mike Maignan.

The goalkeeper, disappointed by the club over the issue of a new contract that was never formalised, made a fuss to be sold to the Premier League despite last-minute attempts by Allegri and Tare to mend the rift.

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But the Blues did not meet the Rossoneri’s demands: the offer of €15m was deemed to be far too low. For their part, the English have leaked through the British press that Maignan was not a specific request from the coach but a potential opportunity, one year before the expiry of his contract with Milan, that the directors have tried to seize.

No compromise was found and so now Maignan seems destined to stay at Milan, despite having tried to push for the move through his agent by letting the management know he still would not renew. It was a twist that not many saw coming, but if you did then check out the best Texas sportsbooks.

The French goalkeeper, waiting to see if the window will bring new proposals, finds himself having to face the new season – presumably his last in red and black – with the captain’s armband on his arm and with his contract expiring.

In the recent past it has happened on several occasions: the fans will remember the Calhanoglu, Donnarumma, Kessie and Romagnoli situations very well. However, there is a substantial difference: if with the others renewal talks seemed possible, Maignan doesn’t seem willing to talk at all.

Since the season that will lead to the World Cup is about to begin, we have no doubts that the goalkeeper’s commitment will be what is necessary to remain at a high level of performance and thus maintain his starting place with Deschamps’ France. But how will the fans react in all of this?

Kessie and Romagnoli were respected until the end, even though their choice to leave was then acknowledged with bitterness. Donnarumma and Calhanoglu, on the other hand, were faced with criticism.

The story between Maignan and Milan could have had a completely different ending and the main fault is the club’s: today it is certain that he will leave, either now or at the end of the season.