Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was shown a red card in a significant setback for the Blues against Manchester United, opening up an opportunity to reignite their chase for AC Milan's Mike Maignan. Sanchez was sent off just five minutes into the match at Old Trafford following a challenge on Bryan Mbeumo outside the box. Despite a VAR review, the referee's decision remained, forcing Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca to make early changes.
The Blues' boss made a double substitution, introducing Filip Jorgensen as the new goalkeeper and Tosin Adarabioyo to strengthen the defence, replacing Estevao Willian and Pedro Neto. However, United skipper Bruno Fernandes broke the deadlock less than 10 minutes after Sanchez's dismissal.
While the Spanish keeper will only miss Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie against Lincoln City, the incident could provide the motivation Chelsea need to delve back into the transfer market for a new goalkeeper, following their summer interest in Maignan.
The Blues initially expressed interest in June, but AC Milan were reluctant to part with their French international. They set a £25million price tag on the 30-year-old, but Chelsea didn't appear in a hurry to finalise the deal.
It was thought that Chelsea were content with their goalkeeping options in Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen.
However, with Maignan's contract at San Siro due to expire next year, he'll be free to discuss a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside Italy from January.
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Chelsea could outmanoeuvre their competitors by pushing for a deal in January, allowing them to acquire the player on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Maresca is reportedly a fan of Maignan and sees him as the ideal fit for his tactical game plan.
Earlier this month, it was reported that the appointment of Massimiliano Allegri played a crucial role in persuading Maignan to stay at Milan over the summer.
The new boss quickly confirmed that Maignan would retain the captain's armband and highlighted keeping the goalkeeper as a key factor in his decision to take charge.
However, there has been no progress on a new contract to keep Maignan in Italy, giving Chelsea an opportunity to reignite their pursuit.
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