Premier League giants Chelsea could be forced to listen to fresh offers for an up-and-coming member of the club’s backline following the turn of the year, according to reports.
The player in question? Ian Maatsen.
Defender Maatsen, for those who may have missed it, saw his name take its place front and centre in the headlines in west London across the final days of the summer transfer window.
This came upon word coming to the fore that Burnley, with whom the Dutchman shone during a loan stint last season, had tabled a big-money bid to bring him in on a permanent basis.
CJ Hamilton of Blackpool and Ian Maatsen of Burnley battle for the ball (Alamy Stock Photo)
The powers that be at Chelsea are understood to have accepted the offer, which came in at a considerable £31.5 million.
Maatsen himself, however, came to the decision to reject the chance to return to Turf Moor.
And yet, despite the pleas of the club’s supporters to keep hold of Maatsen, if the latest word stemming from the media is anything to go by, Todd Boehly and co. could be left with little choice but to move the talented youngster on this winter.
As per a report from The Telegraph, Maatsen’s Chelsea future is ‘still in doubt’.
This comes with his current terms at Stamford Bridge due to expire in the summer of 2024, and no progress having been made in contract negotiations between the two parties.
‘Should there be no significant progress on his future before January, then Chelsea are likely to be forced into listening to more offers for Maatsen in the next transfer window.’
Club could be forced to listen to fresh offers for full-back in January if no progress is made on contract
✍️ @Matt_Law_DT#TelegraphFootball I #CFC
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) September 28, 2023
Real Madrid identify Premier League manager as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement