Chelsea monitor Gianluigi Donnarumma's contract situation at Milan

Gianluigi Donnarumma making a save

Chelsea are reportedly closely monitoring Gianluigi Donnarumma's contract situation with AC Milan as they continue their not so secret search for a replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga. And let's be honest, Edouard Mendy is not anyone's long-term Number 1.

Despite growing up as an AC Milan fan this is not the first time the young goalkeeper has found himself at the centre of difficult contract negotiations with his boyhood club. He has previously been linked to not only Chelsesa, but Man United and a high profile move to Real Madrid.

The Italian shotstopper is represented by Mino Raiola who is agitating for both a small release clause and short-term contract with Milan so he can renegotiate Donnarumma's sizable salary sooner than later. So we can do this all again in two years.

With just six months left on his current deal, Chelsea would be in the position of signing Donnarumma on a free. But the lack of transfer fee would not doubt be incorporated into his wages, an agent fee and the baggage that comes with the aforementioned super agent.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper is looking for a salary of £9.1m a year in his next deal whether at the San Siro or at Stamford Bridge. With his profile and command in goal, the salary would not be an issue for Roman Abramovich, but has been a sticking point with Milan - coupled with the additional contract demands and short-term deal.

Donnarumma has made it clear that he would like to extend his stay in Milan and a move at this point is unlikely. But with Raiola at the helm of the negotiations, nothing is out of the question. Chelsea have avoided doing business with him in the past, but may reconsider their position with both Donnarumma and Erling Haaland in play.

Kepa's Premier League struggles continue

Despite turning just 22 last week, Milan's superstar keeper has already made more than 200 league appearances. Only Inter's Samir Handanovic has kept more clean sheets this season than Gianluigi Donnarumma. A fantastic shot-stopper with excellent command of his area, he could be the man to finally replace Petr Cech.

Although a centre back and striker appear to be the priority for the Blues in the summer transfer market, their passing interest in a high profile goalkeeper does suggest that Kepa will not be able to find a way back in under Thomas Tuchel. He has given a good account of himself in the opportunities he has had recently, and will need to continue to make appearances if Chelsea are serious about finding a buyer.