Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Ian Maatsen set to join Aston Villa; Blues want Noni Madueke stay, and more - June 20, 2024
Chelsea are working to hand Enzo Maresca a squad of his liking before the new campaign. The Italian manager was handed the keys to the first team at the start of this month.
Meanwhile, left-back Ian Maatsen is set to join Aston Villa this summer. Elsewhere, the Blues are not planning to offload Noni Madueke this year.
On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on June 20, 2024:
Ian Maatsen set to join Aston Villa
Ian Maatsen is close to joining Aston Villa this summer, according to The Athletic. The Dutch left-back joined Borussia Dortmund on loan in January and had a very fruitful stay.
Maatsen appeared 23 times across competitions for the Bundesliga side, playing a key role in their march to the Champions League final. The German giants are pleased with his efforts and would like to keep him permanently.
However, they have struggled to match Chelsea's asking price for the player. Aston Villa have dived in and taken advantage of the situation. Their boss Unai Emery is a fan of the 22-year-old and wants him at Villa Park.
The two clubs have struck a deal for Maatsen for just over £35 million. Villa have agreed personal terms with the Dutchman and are putting finishing touches to a six-year contract. The Blues have to offload players before June 30 to adhere to the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, which is why they are eager to complete this deal.
Chelsea want Noni Madueke stay, says Fabrizio Romano
Chelsea are not planning to offload Noni Madueke this summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The English forward has blown hot and cold since arriving at Stamford Bridge, and his future remains up in the air.
New manager Enzo Maresca is expected to add more bite to his attack over the summer. Crystal Palace ace Michael Olise is apparently on the Italian manager's radar and his arrival could spell trouble for Madueke. Recent reports have suggested that Juventus are eyeing the Englishman with interest.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano refuted those claims.
“I’m also aware of a Chelsea rumour involving Noni Madueke and Juventus, but I have no updates on this at the moment," wrote Romano.
He continued:
“Madueke is an important player for Chelsea, so there is really nothing concrete on his future so far. We will see if something changes in the next weeks, but for now Juventus are also focused on the Douglas Luiz swap deal with Aston Villa.”
Madueke scored eight goals and set up three in 34 games across competitions in the 2023-24 campaign.
Blues yet to agree Jhon Duran deal
Chelsea are yet to strike a deal for Jhon Duran, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs. The Colombian striker enjoyed an impressive debut season with Aston Villa after joining last summer.
Duran was behind Ollie Watkins in the pecking order under Unai Emery, operating mostly from the bench. However, the 20-year-old still managed eight goals in 37 games across competitions.
His efforts have apparently convinced the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, who are looking for a new striker this year. Recent reports have stated that a deal is almost done, but Jacobs has suggested otherwise.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs said that the Blues are trying to sign Duran for a reduced fee this year.
“So my understanding is that nothing is agreed yet, despite some suggestions that a £40 million package was already verbally in place. That's not my understanding," said Jacobs.
He continued:
“Chelsea are negotiating and perhaps hoping for a lower fee than that number, regardless of Villa’s valuation. And in January, the ballpark was more around the £25 million mark. So we wait and see what the final amount is if things progress. But Chelsea are quite serious at the moment about Duran.”
Duran's contract with the Villans runs till 2028.