Chelsea Faces Dilemma Over Ian Maatsen's Future
Chelsea may have no choice but to part ways with their Cobham graduate, Ian Maatsen, due to a lack of progress in contract negotiations, as reported recently.
During the summer transfer window, the Blues accepted a £31.5 million bid for the Dutch international, but Maatsen chose to reject Burnley and remain at Stamford Bridge. While he has seen limited playing time this season, his performance during pre-season and in the Carabao Cup, particularly against Brighton, did not go unnoticed.
However, according to The Telegraph, Chelsea is yet to make any headway regarding his future, potentially necessitating their consideration of offers for him in the January transfer window.
Before accepting Burnley's bid, Chelsea had made two contract offers to Maatsen, neither of which he signed. Maatsen's current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, putting Chelsea at risk of losing him on a free transfer if he doesn't ink a new contract by the campaign's end.
With Malo Gusto suspended and Reece James sidelined due to injury, Maatsen may find himself called upon by manager Mauricio Pochettino. Nevertheless, Marc Cucurella played as a right-back on a recent occasion. The injury to Ben Chilwell, who is scheduled for a hamstring scan, might open up opportunities for Maatsen in his preferred left-back position.
Pochettino has utilized the 21-year-old in more advanced roles this season, offering him only two starts and four substitute appearances. The future remains uncertain for Maatsen, but Chelsea is unlikely to risk losing a talented academy graduate for nothing next year.
In the January transfer window, Burnley, where Maatsen spent the previous season on loan, might consider rekindling their interest, and other Premier League clubs have shown interest in acquiring the promising wing-back.
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Share or comment on this article: Chelsea may have no choice but to consider bids for Ian Maatsen due to a lack of progress in contract negotiations, despite two previous offers made before Burnley's £31.5 million bid.
