In the heat of summer, the heat of the football world has not diminished due to the blazing sun, but has become more boiling as the transfer market approaches. A piece of news is like a thunderbolt under the scorching sun, exploding around the world - the patron saint of Serie A giants AC Milan, French goalkeeper Mike Maignan may embark on a new journey when the summer transfer window opens.
Over the past two seasons, Mike Maignan has been an impregnable shield in Serie A, holding off sharp attacks on numerous occasions and building the last line of defence for AC Milan and the French national team with world-class performances. Affectionately known to the fans as 'the security between the posts', each great save cemented his place in the hearts of the fans. However, behind the accolades and achievements, speculation and discussion around Maignan's future have become more and more intense.
At the moment, Maignan's contract extension with AC Milan is at an impasse. Although he is under contract until 2026, his annual salary of 2.8 million euros is in stark contrast to the top-level quality he has shown. Milan's management was deeply concerned and threw out a new contract with an annual salary of up to 5 million to 6 million euros, including bonuses, in order to retain the central defence. However, Maignan is pointing to 8 million euros, which undoubtedly makes it more difficult for the two sides to negotiate, especially as the club's finances have doubled after the repeal of the Italian growth decree.
At this time, the wealthy Paris Saint-Germain club is like a long-dormant cheetah, quietly approaching the core of this transfer turmoil. With goalkeeper Donnarumma likely to leave in the summer, PSG are desperate to find a replacement who is also top-notch, and the France international has become a natural gem. Not just because of his prowess, but also because of their desire to bring Maignan back to their homeland to start a new season together, and even to make a strong push for the European title.
PSG, meanwhile, are not limited to Maignan alone, as they are keeping a close eye on Porto's young talented goalkeeper Diogo Costa and Valencia's Georgian goalkeeper Giorgio Mamardashvili. However, of all the options, Maignan is undoubtedly the most attractive one. On the other hand, AC Milan understands the irreplaceability of Maignan and has set a threshold of up to 80 million euros in the transfer market, intending to prevent other giants from coveting. This is a high figure for PSG, who have a deep financial background, but they have previously revealed their intention to bring in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, proving that they have the financial resources to deal with this potential transfer battle.
On social media, fans are discussing the future of Mike Maignan enthusiastically, with some supporting him to stay in Milan and continuing to create success, while others are expecting him to join Paris Saint-Germain to challenge himself. And Maignan himself, in the face of Milan's sincere contract renewal and Paris Saint-Germain's enthusiastic pursuit, is also weighing the balance of loyalty and opportunity in his heart.
This summer, the transfer market has been changing, as if a silent psychological war is being staged. Whether Mike Maignan, the high-profile French goalkeeper, will choose to stick with the familiar Rossoneri or take on a new challenge and embark on a new journey to conquer the top of Europe? This transfer suspicion, which is about personal honor, team interests and fan emotions, is tugging at the heartstrings of every football lover with its unique suspense.