Paolo Maldini’s sudden departure from Milan and Tammy Abraham’s knee injury have implications for Chelsea’s transfer strategies under new coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Maldini and sporting director Frederico Massara are set to leave the Rossoneri after a meeting with Gerry Cardinale on Monday.
Several Rossoneri stars are said to be unhappy with Cardinale’s decision, including Mike Maignan. The France international is among Chelsea’s targets for the summer alongside Inter‘s André Onana. According to La Repubblica, Maignan’s contract extension is now more complicated and the Blues can take advantage of it. His deal at San Siro expires in June 2026, but Maldini was reportedly ready to offer a new long-term deal.
There are more connections between Milan and Chelsea. Maldini was in talks with Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s entourage and had been trying to lower the Blues’ €25m asking price for the English midfielder. Coach Stefano Pioli still wants RLC, but it remains to be seen if, with the new course started under the guidance of Giorgio Furlani and Geoffrey Moncada, Loftus-Cheek will remain a prominent name on the Diavoli’s agenda.
Moving down to Rome, the latest developments on Abraham are also being considered at Chelsea. The Englishman will likely remain out of action until 2024 following a severe knee injury in the final game of the season against Spezia on Sunday.
Football Itaia understands Chelsea had been scouting Abraham during the season as the Blues have an €80m option to re-sign him over the summer. However, the striker’s latest injury means the Premier League side won’t bring him back. On the other hand, Pochettino will try to keep Romelu Lukaku at Stamford Bridge after his loan spell with Inter, but Big Rom seems willing to remain at the Stadio Meazza.
By the time there is an actual word from the club, you will have set a Guinness world record for the number of sensationalist ‘articles’ printed.