© IMAGO
Chelsea are following Japanese goalkeeping sensation Zion Suzuki and could look to sign him next summer.
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That is according to Nicolo Schira, who reports on his YouTube channel that the Parma goalkeeper is on Chelsea’s shortlist for 2026.
Suzuki famously rejected a five-year contract offer from Man Utd in 2023 as he did not want to join a club where he wouldn’t be first choice.
Instead, he eventually moved to Parma in 2024 where his value has skyrocketed.
Schira says that AC Milan are big fans of Suzuki, too, and are considering signing him if Mike Maignan leaves on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Ironically, Chelsea are the favourites to sign Maignan so if this happens then Milan are expected to move for Suzuki.
Alternatively, if Maignan is convinced to sign a new contract then Chelsea could go in strong on Suzuki.
Milan scouts were present on Sunday as Suzuki produced a brilliant performance and saved an injury time penalty to earn Parma a 0-0 draw against Genoa.
The 23-year-old Suzuki has made 46 appearances for Parma since joining.
© IMAGO – Zion Suzuki, Parma
He has also been capped 23 times by Japan.
As for Maignan, he remains Chelsea’s top goalkeeper target for 2026, according to most experts.
Chelsea tried to sign Maignan this past summer before the Club World Cup but could not agree a transfer fee with Milan.
They agreed terms with Maignan so this contract can easily be transferred over to 2026.
© IMAGO – Mike Maignan for Milan against Feyenoord
The Blues had two offers for Maignan rejected by Milan, the first worth €10 million and the second increased to €15m.
Chelsea’s valuation fell far below what Milan considered acceptable, with the Rossoneri demanding at least €23m or more for the France number one.
The Blues refused to increase their offer, believing that €15m was fair for a player whose contract expires in a year.
And that is where the negotiations between Milan and Chelsea for Maignan ended for 2025.
Maignan agreed to stay at Milan for this season but it seems difficult he will prolong his stay and he would agree to a move to Chelsea in 2026.
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