West Ham United are reportedly optimistic of securing the services of Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen, who pockets £20,000-a-week in wages.
According to Dean Jones on Give Me Sport, Ian Maatsen is the subject of interest from West Ham United. The Hammers are in the market for a left-back heading into the January transfer window. And they are confident of prising the Dutch defender away from Chelsea this winter. The youngster is also a target for Barcelona.
Ian Maatsen and His Frustrations At Chelsea
Ian Maatsen has struggled to establish a foothold at Chelsea despite possessing tremendous potential. The 21-year-old was superb for the West London club during the pre-season campaign ahead of the 2023/24 season. But Mauricio Pochettino has not trusted him to feature regularly for Chelsea.
While the Dutchman has turned out 14 times thus far this season, he has managed only 320 minutes of game time. So, as we approach the January transfer window, Maatsen’s long-term future at Chelsea is uncertain. And the Blues are reportedly ready to get his £20,000-a-week wages off their books.
Recent reports have claimed that prospective suitors might look to land Ian Maatsen on a loan deal until the end of the 2023/24 season. But Chelsea will only entertain bids for a permanent transfer in the January transfer window. Meanwhile, the youngster has no shortage of suitors, two of them being West Ham United and Barcelona.
West Ham United and Barcelona Keen on Maatsen
West Ham’s interest in Maatsen stems from the lack of quality in the left-back department. Aaron Cresswell is out of favour with David Moyes, while Emerson Palmieri tends to blow hot and cold. Maatsen has thus emerged as a viable target for West Ham. According to Dean Jones, the Hammers feel they have a “good chance” to sign the 21-year-old.
As for Barcelona, the Blaugrana can do with a left-back amid the inconsistencies of Alejandro Balde. So, signing a promising young left-back like Ian Maatsen should be the sensible decision. In addition, Barcelona should be able to afford his £20,000-a-week wages.
A move to Barcelona might appeal to the Chelsea defender. But West Ham will likely provide him more game time. So, the versatile 21-year-old defender has an important decision to make in the January transfer window.
