Chelsea is prepared to part ways with left-back Ian Maatsen during the January transfer window.
Despite Chelsea accepting a loan offer from Burnley, where Maatsen spent the previous season on loan, the 21-year-old declined the move during the summer. The loan bid included a £31.5 million obligation to make the deal permanent in 2024.
Although Chelsea triggered a 12-month extension clause in Maatsen’s contract, securing him until 2025, the player has struggled to secure significant playing time under Mauricio Pochettino. Despite injuries to both Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella, Maatsen has only managed ten Premier League appearances, totaling just 130 minutes.
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Efforts to negotiate new contract terms with Maatsen have proved unsuccessful, prompting Chelsea to consider selling him in the upcoming January window. While there has been interest in a loan deal, Chelsea has communicated its preference for a permanent sale.
Manchester City was previously identified as an interested party, and West Ham United has also expressed interest in Maatsen. Additionally, Borussia Dortmund has emerged as a new contender, with Serie A clubs Napoli and Roma closely monitoring the situation.
One factor contributing to Maatsen’s limited playing time is Pochettino’s preference for utilizing Levi Colwill, a natural center-back, on the left side of the defense this season. Colwill acknowledged his learning curve in the new position, expressing satisfaction with his progress and determination to contribute to the team.