Renewal talks between the French goalkeeper and AC Milan have stalled. Following previous interest from Chelsea and Bayern, Juventus is now preparing an early move for the summer, when Maignan could become one of the most sought-after free agents. What would this mean for Di Gregorio?
Juventus is considering Mike Maignan as a potential future goalkeeper. The prospect of signing him on a free transfer is appealing to the “Old Lady,” who seeks experienced and charismatic players to elevate the team`s quality. The 30-year-old AC Milan goalkeeper is France`s national team starter and has played in Serie A since 2021. He has won two league titles: one with Milan (2022) and another with Lille (2021), where he played alongside current Juventus player Jonathan David. David joined Juventus in July and is also nearing the end of his contract. A similar fate might await Maignan; bar any changes, he is expected to leave Milan at the end of the season. Renewal negotiations have been stalled for some time, and Mike appears inclined to seek a new challenge, despite the high regard of Massimiliano Allegri, who blocked his transfer to Chelsea last summer. Maignan is set to be one of the most coveted free agents next summer, much like Dusan Vlahovic. Juventus has already gathered information and is ready to join the race for the former PSG academy goalkeeper, who, at Milan, successfully made fans forget Gianluigi Donnarumma through his charisma and exceptional saves. Less than a week ago, at the Allianz Stadium, “Magic Mike” showcased an incredible reflex save against Federico Gatti, denying Tudor`s side their best scoring opportunity, all under the watchful eyes of Damien Comolli, Giorgio Chiellini, and Francois Modesto.
Maignan to Juventus: Contract and Competition
While October isn`t the period for concrete bids, evaluations are already underway. At Continassa, Juventus` training center, they are ready to delve into the feasibility of the operation. Everything will hinge on Maignan`s desires and his financial demands; he currently earns 2.8 million euros and benefits from tax breaks under the “Decreto Crescita.” Juventus is keen, but they are not the only major club to have sensed the opportunity to acquire a top international goalkeeper nearing the end of his contract. Chelsea, a persistent suitor, made an approach last summer but was met with an unyielding stance from Milan and Allegri. More recently, Bayern Munich has also shown interest. Without a contract extension – and all indications point to a departure from Milan – the former Lille player will be free to choose his next club at the beginning of 2026, moving on a free transfer starting July 1st. In the past, free agents often knew their next destination by January/February. This is no longer the case, as exemplified by Jonathan David, who, despite being courted by half of Europe, only signed with the “Old Lady” in early July.
Maignan`s Arrival at Juventus: What Future for Di Gregorio?
After the initial dream of signing Donnarumma faded (he moved to Manchester City after his departure from PSG), Juventus is now considering Maignan as his potential successor at Milan. Technical skills are intertwined with character attributes. At Continassa, there`s a perceived need to enhance not only the squad`s quality but also its personality. Maignan boasts abundant charisma and leadership, which is precisely why the Bianconeri have been attentive to his stalled contract renewal with Milan. Rather than a reconsideration of Michele Di Gregorio, who is highly valued and publicly defended even by Tudor, Mike represents a classic opportunity. Whether he is indispensable will become clear in the coming weeks and months, also factoring in Maignan`s preferences and Chelsea`s financial power and the allure of the Premier League. Juventus is in the running and ready to move for “Magic Mike.” Should they succeed, finding a new club for Di Gregorio, who is highly regarded even in England, would not be complicated.
