Chelsea will not accept a price lower than £35 million to sell 22-year-old academy graduate Ian Maatsen in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Give Me Sport, Borussia Dortmund will look to complete a permanent move for Ian Maatsen in the summer transfer window. However, the Black and Yellows do not want to meet Chelsea’s asking price for the 22-year-old. Meanwhile, the Blues are adamant they will not dither from their valuation of £35 million.
Ian Maatsen and his resurgence at Borussia Dortmund
Ian Maatsen endured a frustrating first half of the 2023/24 season after returning to Chelsea from a loan spell with Burnley last term. A native of Vlaardingen, the Dutchman spent most of his formative years in his homeland but ended his youth career at Chelsea. He joined the West London outfit in 2018 and graduated from the club’s academy a year later.
The 22-year-old has embarked on four loan spells away from Chelsea, rising in prominence during his stints with Coventry City and Burnley. However, he has considerably raised his performance levels since joining Borussia Dortmund in January. Maatsen has turned out 22 times for the Bundesliga club, chipping in with three goals and two assists.
Maatsen’s exploits in the second half of the 2023/24 season have compelled Borussia Dortmund to consider a permanent move heading into the summer transfer window. However, the Dutch full-back has a release clause worth £35 million in his contract with Chelsea. The Black and Yellows have an issue with that valuation.
What next?
Ian Maatsen has arguably outperformed Ramy Bensebaini at Borussia Dortmund this season. So, it is hardly surprising that the Bundesliga giants want to complete a permanent move for the Chelsea academy graduate. Recent reports have claimed Borussia Dortmund will approach Chelsea for talks next week.
However, Chelsea’s asking price of £35 million poses a problem for Borussia Dortmund as they want to negotiate a lower fee for the 22-year-old. But that might not happen, with the Blues refusing to lower their valuation.
With Chelsea not ready to listen to offers lower than £35 million, it will be interesting to see if Borussia Dortmund will be willing to cough up the required sum. However, talks between the two clubs are on the cards.
