Chelsea wonderkid ‘wants to leave’ as Blues take step towards Osimhen with €40m sale

Robin Bairner

19 Apr 2024 00:47 CDT
2 min read

Chelsea stand to complete their first major outgoing of the summer transfer window in a deal that will bring Napoli striker Victor Osimhen a little closer to Stamford Bridge.

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The Blues are seeking to raise funds to sign the No.9, whose release clause is thought to be around the €120 million mark, and selling academy graduates is the most effective route of doing that.

According to Sky Sports Deutschland, the pieces are falling into place for a deal that will send Ian Maatsen to Borussia Dortmund on a permanent basis.

The Netherlands youngster grabbed the second goal as BVB fired themselves through to the semi-finals of the Champions League with a 4-2 victory over Atletico Madrid and has impressed greatly during his loan spell in the Bundesliga.

Patrick Berger reports: “Ian Maatsen wants to leave Chelsea on a permanent deal in the summer. According to our information, Chelsea are already informed about his plan.

“The left-back (two goals and two assists for Dortmund) feels very comfortable where he is and is keen to stay. His release clause is €35-40m.”

Maatsen's potential unlocked at Dortmund

Dortmund’s eagerness to sign the 22-year-old is understandable, with the left-back having seen an upsurge in his form since arriving at the club. His Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has risen from €6.6m around the turn of the year to almost €19m now, and should that trend continue BVB might easily get good value for the player at the price Chelsea are asking.

The Blues, meanwhile, are likely to be content with a sale around that price point. The Stamford Bridge side need several such outgoings if they are to fund a move for Osimhen, particularly with reports PSG are stepping up their pursuit of the Nigeria international.

Chelsea are also poised to offload Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah in part of an exodus of first-team stars, though Maatsen to Dortmund looks likely to be their first big deal.