Chelsea AGREE transfer but star REJECTS move

Cameron Smith

Updated: 1 Sept 2023 22:12 BST
4 min read

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Chelsea have accepted a loan with an obligation to buy offer from Burnley for defender Ian Maatsen, but the Dutchman is reluctant to leave the Blues.

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Maatsen, 21, spent last season on loan at Turf Moor and played a key role in their promotion to the Premier League under Vincent Kompany.

However, the versatile star, who has recently been called up to the Netherlands senior international squad for the first time, does not want to leave Chelsea.

The Blues have agreed to offload their academy star after Burnley lodged a loan offer with an obligation to buy for around €36.7 million (£32.5m).

But, despite Chelsea’s willingness for Maatsen to leave, the player is reluctant to join Burnley on a permanent deal, according to multiple sources.

The Evening Standard’s Nizaar Kinsella has reported that Maatsen was more open to a move to West Ham, but David Moyes’ side have cooled their interest as Aaron Cresswell is now expected to remain at the club despite speculation of a possible exit.

Furthermore, Maatsen has told Kompany why he doesn’t want to sign a permanent deal at Turf Moor, as per Kinsella. It’s understood the pair have a good relationship after the Dutchman’s fruitful loan spell last season.

And Telegraph journalist Matt Law has now confirmed that the deal is dead in the water, with Maatsen now staying at Chelsea in spite of the two clubs striking a deal.

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As he is an academy player, selling Maatsen would have counted as pure profit, which is an attractive proposition for Chelsea given they have spent over €1 billion since Todd Boehly became the club’s owner last summer.

Maatsen to stay at Chelsea?

While Maatsen was a key figure in pre-season, he has not yet started a Premier League game this campaign, although he has been brought on as a substitute in every league match so far.

Mauricio Pochettino has mostly deployed Maatsen in Chelsea’s front four since taking charge, rather than his more natural left-back role.

Given Marc Cucurella’s proposed loan move to Manchester United fell through, it’s likely that Maatsen’s minutes will continue to come further up the pitch if he does remain at Stamford Bridge.