Man City transfer news: Citizens 'set sights' on Serie A goalkeeper as 'ideal' Ederson replacement

The 29-year-old is expected to be in action on the international stage on Thursday night, when France host Israel during the fifth round of matches in UEFA Nations League A.

Maignan has established himself as the first-choice stopper for Les Bleus following the end of Hugo Lloris's success-laden spell in net for Didier Deschamps's side.

Focusing on club football, the Frenchman is top of the goalkeeping ranks at AC Milan, where he has played prominently since moving from Ligue 1 outfit Lille during the summer of 2021.

Since exiting his home country for the first time in his professional career, Maignan has featured on 127 occasions for the Rossoneri, helping them to the Serie A crown during the 2021-22 season.

Man City identify Maignan as 'ideal candidate' to replace Ederson

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Manchester City are exploring goalkeeping options in the eventuality that Ederson departs in the near future.

The Brazil international was heavily linked to the Saudi Pro League over the summer, whilst there is also said to be interest from top European clubs for the shot-stopper.

It is understood that Man City have set their sights on the services of AC Milan star Maignan, who could view a switch to the Premier League as an upgrade for his career compared to Serie A.

The report claims that the Citizens feel that the 29-year-old's ability to start attacks as well as carry out his standard goalkeeping duties would make him a good fit for Pep Guardiola's side.

The Premier League champions are supposedly yet to discuss a potential deal with Maignan's representatives or submit a concrete offer, meaning that a January switch to England for the Frenchman appears highly unlikely.

Do Man City need Maignan?

Unless Man City want to promote Stefan Ortega to the first-choice role in between the sticks should Ederson leave, a move for Maignan would make sense for the Citizens next summer.

The 26-time international has kept four clean sheets across 11 league matches so far this term despite AC Milan struggling and sitting seventh in the Serie A table.

Maignan has shown his ability to perform on the biggest stages in recent times, making an eye-catching nine saves during the Rossoneri's 3-1 win over European champions Real Madrid in the Champions League.