West Ham United are interested in acquiring the services of 21-year-old Chelsea full-back Ian Maatsen ahead of next season.
According to Daily Mail, West Ham United are keen on having Ian Maatsen in their ranks. The 21-year-old full-back was in sensational form last season, and he is on the radar of the Hammers as they prepare themselves for life without Aaron Cresswell.
The 33-year-old West Ham full-back is closing in on a move to Premier League rivals Wolves for a fee of just £2.5 million. Cresswell has featured in over 300 matches for the Hammers, and his departure will surely leave a major void in their defence.
However, people at the club believe it is the right time to move on from the former Ipswich Town defender and sign a young player who can help them in the long run. As a result, they have their eyes set on Maatsen.
The 21-year-old Chelsea full-back was on loan at Burnley last season. And, the Dutch youth international was in exceptional form last season and helped the Clarets win the Championship and return to the Premier League.
He featured in a total of 42 matches for the Championship club in all competitions and contributed towards 10 goals. The 21-year-old was the go-to man for Vincent Kompany on the left-back slot. His consistent performances resulted in him being included in the Championship team of the season.
With Burnley all set to compete in the English top flight next season, they are keen on having the 21-year-old back in their ranks. Meanwhile, there is interest from Nottingham Forest as well. The Tricky Trees are looking to strengthen their defence ahead of next season and have their eyes set on the Chelsea defender.
While there is interest from other Premier League clubs, West Ham United have already started making moves. They are keen on having the Chelsea wide man in their ranks and are willing to go the distance to land him at the club.
Meanwhile, the Blues might be ready to sell the 21-year-old with his contract running out in a year’s time. Even the player might consider leaving because he is way down the pecking order at Chelsea. He will have to battle it out with the likes of Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella and Lewis Hall for a spot in Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI.
As a result, he might not get the desired minutes and a move to the Hammers will surely help his career. But, West Ham will push for him only if Aaron Cresswell leaves the club. Meanwhile, Maatsen is not the only Chelsea prospect on West Ham’s radar, with Conor Gallagher also a top target.
