Milan have two leading candidates to replace Maignan for 2026-27

Saturday’s reports claim that Milan have two leading candidates in mind to replace goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who could be allowed to leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

Maignan is into the final year of his contract in San Siro, and has not yet come to an agreement over an extension.

While there have been plenty of discussions over a potential extension over the last 12 months, a couple of sticking points have emerged, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport.

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 02: Mike Maignan of AC Milan speaks with his defenders during the Coppa Italia Semi Final match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Firstly, Maignan is expecting an increase in wages, while Milan are uncertain about making a significant investment on a player who will be 31 at the start of next season, has not been entirely convincing in recent months, and has also struggled with injuries at various points.

That leaves the door open for Maignan to potentially leave the club at the end of his current contract, unless an agreement over a new extension is found over the next few months. Juventus, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are among the clubs reportedly interested in picking up Maignan on a free transfer.

Who could Milan bring in if Maignan leaves for free?

Zion Suzuki of Parma calcio during the Serie A match between Parma and Atalanta at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 23, 2024 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

According to Saturday’s reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, there are two leading candidates that Milan currently have in mind to replace Maignan if he does decide to leave the club before next summer.

Parma’s Zion Suzuki is one of them. The Japan international was brought in from Sint-Truiden at a reported cost of €8m last summer, and according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, his value has since doubled.

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA – JUNE 28: Noah Atubolu of Germany warms up prior to the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025 Final match between England and Germany at National Football stadium on June 28, 2025 in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)

Another option for Milan is SC Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu, who has recently earned his first call-up to the Germany national team. He is valued similarly, albeit slightly higher than Suzuki at around €18m according to Saturday’s reports.

Reports elsewhere claim that Cagliari’s Elia Caprile is also an enticing option for the Rossoneri, but he is expected to cost significantly more than Suzuki or Atubolu.