PL club reach agreement with Chelsea to sign 22-year-old star Ian Maatsen - Reports
Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen reportedly looks to be on his way to Premier League rivals Aston Villa. The Dutchman spent the second half of last season at Borussia Dortmund and impressed at Signal Iduna Park.
The Athletic's David Ornstein reports that Villa have reached an agreement with the Blues to sign Maatsen. The Villains are set to pay just upwards of the £35 million which was the now-expired release clause in play at Dortmund.
Maatsen is set to agree on personal terms on a six-year deal with Unai Emery's side, who will play in next season's UEFA Champions League. Their Spanish coach is said to be a massive admirer of the 17-cap Netherlands U21 international.
The pacey left-back's contract with Chelsea was extended for a further year. He left Stamford Bridge in January, joining Dortmund on loan, where he played a key role in their run to the Champions League final.
Maatsen appeared 23 times across competitions for BvB, posting three goals and two assists. Some felt his exploits at Signal Iduna Park would earn him a place in Enzo Maresca's Blues side next season, but they've opted to sell.
Maresca looks set to continue with Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell as his main left-back options. That's unless the west Londoners decide to enter the market for a replacement.
The young Dutchman arrived in west London in 2018 from Eredivisie giants PSV Eindhoven's youth system. He made 16 senior appearances for Chelsea but was mostly out on loan at Dortmund, Burnley, Charlton Athletic, and Coventry City.
Ian Maatsen will focus on helping the Netherlands 'hunt' at Euro 2024 amid Chelsea exit
Maatsen was a last-minute call-up to the Netherlands national team for Euro 2024. Ronald Koeman opted to bring the Chelsea full-back to Germany after injuries to Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners.
This came amid speculation over his club future as he headed back to Stamford Bridge following his BvB loan. He was raring to go once he got the call from Oranje, posting on his Instagram account:
"Hungry to hunt with the lion’s!"
Maatsen's Blues teammate Nicolas Jackson wished the left-back well at Euro 2024 in the comments. He said:
"God’s time is always the best, good luck bro."
Maatsen is yet to make an appearance for the Netherlands' senior team ahead of his participation at Euro 2024. He remained on the bench in Oranje's opening 2-1 win against Poland in Group D, with Koeman preferring Manchester City's Nathan Ake.