Chelsea took the decision in March to let their ludicrously expensive and bloated goalkeeper’s union sort things out themselves. That was undermined somewhat when the availability of AC Milan shot-stopper Maignan was undoubtedly explored up to the closure of this summer’s first transfer window.

Arsenal have already completed two summer signings and are closing in on a third, with Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres their priority target as a deal moves closer