Liam Rosenior has made a perfect start to his tenure as Chelsea head coach in the Premier League, guiding the Blues to a convincing 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Despite the absence of key playmaker Cole Palmer due to a minor thigh issue, young Brazilian star Estevao Willian stepped up impressively, scoring the opening goal on a breakaway and providing an assist. Joao Pedro netted the second early in the second half, while Enzo Fernandez sealed the win from the penalty spot following a VAR-reviewed handball by Palace’s Jaydee Canvot.
Estevao’s clinical finish came after a defensive error by teenager Canvot, putting Chelsea ahead in the first half. Pedro doubled the lead shortly after the restart with a composed finish assisted by Estevao, and Fernandez converted the spot-kick to make it 3-0 before Palace pulled one back late. The result marks another strong performance under Rosenior, who took over earlier in January 2026, and keeps Chelsea pushing in the top-four race.
As the final week of the January transfer window unfolds, Chelsea have yet to make any major signings despite ongoing links to various players. The club has identified two priority areas for reinforcement—a centre-back and a central midfielder—prompted by injuries to Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia.
However, a significant update has emerged regarding one of their reported targets. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that AC Milan and goalkeeper Mike Maignan have reached a verbal agreement on a new long-term contract until June 2031. Formalities are expected to follow soon, securing the French international’s future at the San Siro, where his current deal was set to expire in June 2026.
Maignan was strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge last summer, but negotiations between the clubs broke down over a fee. Recent months had seen renewed speculation that Chelsea might revive their interest, potentially even as a free agent next summer. Romano’s latest report, however, delivers a clear blow to those hopes, with the “huge move for Milan” keeping one of Europe’s top goalkeepers firmly in place.
Chelsea appear content to stick with Robert Sanchez as their No.1, despite some erratic moments balanced by standout saves this season. The club is also prioritizing the development of young talents like Mike Penders (currently on loan at Strasbourg) and has recalled Teddy Sharman-Lowe from his loan spell, with the possibility he remains part of the first-team squad for the rest of the campaign.
This strategy makes it highly unlikely Chelsea will pursue a new goalkeeper this winter. Whether the Blues will come to regret missing out on Maignan remains to be seen, but for now, the focus stays on strengthening other areas amid an otherwise positive period under Rosenior.