Chelsea 'will consider' selling Pochettino favourite - Romano
Cameron Smith
- 3 Oct 2023 19:30 BST
- 4 min read
Chelsea “will consider” selling Ian Maatsen on a permanent deal in January, if he has not signed a contract extension by the end of 2023, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Dutchman rejected a Deadline Day move to Burnley in order to stay at Stamford Bridge, but he has not yet agreed to extend his current deal.
As things stand, Maatsen’s contract will expire next summer, which is why Chelsea are desperate to tie him down to a new deal.
READ MORE: The two Chelsea players that will benefit from Chilwell's injury
Although he is yet to start a Premier League game this season, Maatsen is a player that Mauricio Pochettino admires and is keen to keep within the squad, according to reports.
In pre-season, the former Spurs manager insisted that Maatsen is part of his plans. He told the Chelsea club website: “I am so happy with him. He is a player that can play in different positions. He has quality, he understands the game, and he is such a clever player.
"So far, he is in my plan, yes. I am so pleased with him, as I’ve said, because of his attitude, commitment and his understanding of the game."
READ MORE: Why Chelsea can't afford to lose Ian Maatsen amid exit rumours
However, the Blues may look to sell the Dutchman in January, according to Romano.
What has Romano said?
In his latest YouTube video, Romano spoke about Maatsen and the possibility of him leaving Chelsea in January.
“There is a positive atmosphere finally around the squad,” he said. “But there is still something to resolve mentioning the contracts of some players and one of these players is Ian Maatsen.
“We know very well that Chelsea on Deadline Day almost approved his move to Burnley but the deal collapsed because Maatsen did not accept the proposal.
“The contract proposal was not what he wanted and [neither] was the project, so he decided to turn down that proposal to fight for his place at Chelsea.
“What's going on now is Maatsen is out of contract in the summer and so that's why Chelsea want him to sign a new deal as soon as possible.
“The proposal is still on the table and Chelsea are still insisting on extending that contract, but at the moment there is still no agreement with Maatsen.
"The conversations will continue, for sure they will keep pushing, but if not is done by the end of the year, [around] December, in that case Chelsea will consider the opportunity to sell Maatsen on a permanent transfer in the January transfer window.
“So, these contract talks are going to be crucial for the left-back to understand his future.”
