Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola wants to sign Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen in the January transfer window, according to reports. The versatile star could be sold in the winter if he does not agree to a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
Maatsen returned to Chelsea in the summer following a successful loan spell at Burnley. He played a key part in the Clarets’ return to the Premier League last season, with Vincent Kompany’s side returning to the top flight as champions of the Championship.
Ben Chilwell’s presence at Chelsea was always going to make Maatsen’s life tough for regular first-team football. But even in the absence of Chilwell through injury, he has still struggled for game time under Mauricio Pochettino.
Maatsen is yet to start in the Premier League this season and almost left late in the summer window. Chelsea accepted an offer from Burnley of £31.5million but the Dutchman decided to stay and fight for his place.
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Maatsen had entered the final year of his contract but Chelsea have now activated a one-year clause to protect his value and extend his deal until 2025. But a report from 90min claims he could still be on his way in January.
Chelsea will look to sell him if he does not agree to a longer-term contract. And it is claimed that Guardiola will be leading City’s pursuit of the 21-year-old.
Guardiola is said to be a big fan and wants to get a deal done in the next transfer window. Maatsen would provide a different option at left-back to what City have been used to of late.
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Guardiola has often deployed a left-footed centre-back in that position, with Nathan Ake or Josko Gvardiol mostly sharing responsibilities. Maatsen can also play further forward to give City more options in that part of the pitch.
Barcelona had been linked with a move for Maatsen. However, 90min claims Xavi is happy with Alejandro Balde and is also prioritising making Joao Cancelo’s loan move from the Etihad permanent.
Maatsen first joined Chelsea as a teenager in 2018 and had loan spells at Charlton and Coventry before joining Burnley in 2022. He has made just nine appearances in total for Chelsea, making his debut in the League Cup in 2019.
City did business with Chelsea as recently as the summer. The treble winners signed midfielder Mateo Kovacic for a fee of £25m.
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