Chelsea push Maatsen towards the exit with latest transfer plans

Willem Leijgraf

Updated: 24 Nov 2023 10:27 GMT
4 min read

Chelsea managed to prevent Ian Maatsen's free transfer departure by exercising a one-year option in his contract, but nevertheless, there appears to be no room at Stamford Bridge for the Dutch youth international.

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According to 90min, the Blues are looking to recruit a new left-back and have noted several names on their wish list. The latest player to appear on Chelsea's radar is reportedly Rayan Ait-Nouri.

The 22-year-old left-back was acquired by Wolverhampton Wanderers from Angers for €11.1 million in 2021 and is under contract until 2026. This commitment can be extended by the club for an additional year.

Ait-Nouri currently boasts a transfer value of €14.6m and is also said to be of interest to Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool, among others.

In addition, Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich and Valentín Barco of Boca Juniors are also mentioned as potential signings for the left-back position. The former is also on the shortlist of Real Madrid, which reportedly has the best credentials for the arrival of Davies.

In addition to Chelsea, Barco has most notably been linked with Manchester City. The 19-year-old Argentinian can be picked up for just €9m due to a buyout clause in his current contract.

Maatsen's time is up

The interest in the three full-backs spells bad news for Maatsen, whose expiring contract was recently extended by Chelsea until 2025. Maatsen has been attracting interest from various clubs at home and abroad for some time now.

Earlier this month, the 21-year-old left back indicated that he wanted to go for his chance at Chelsea. “I still think that playing more is possible at Chelsea,” Maatsen said in conversation with Algemeen Dagblad. “In the meantime, I have to keep all options open. I may have to make difficult choices later, but then the club will let me know.”

Maatsen could have opted for a permanent switch to Burnley in the summer, who had already loaned him from Chelsea last season. However, the Dutchman rejected the offer and was later linked to Barcelona and Man City, who saw him as an interesting option due to his contract situation prior to the extension.

It's clear that he needs to move on in a bid to get more minutes under his belt elsewhere. His lack of match sharpness was evident in a recent match for the Dutch U21s after which he was heavily criticised for his shocking performance.