Unai Emery’s Aston Villa have reportedly enquired about the availability of Chelsea defensive sensation Ian Maatsen.
According to a report from Sky Sports, Aston Villa are keen on reinforcing their squad on the back of a sensational season. Ian Maatsen’s impressive performances in the second half of the 2023/24 season have put him on their radar, and they have enquired about the Chelsea academy graduate ahead of a potential transfer.
Maatsen joined the London club back in 2018, and he was promoted to their first team last summer on the back of impressive loan spells. While he was involved in 12 Premier League games during the first half of the season, the Dutch full-back was on the pitch for less than 200 minutes.
The 22-year-old was looking for regular first-team action, and he ended up making a move to Borussia Dortmund in the winter. In his short loan spell, Maatsen made quite a name for himself. He was involved in 23 games and even contributed towards five goals.
He played a big part in Borussia Dortmund reaching the finals of the UEFA Champions League. On the back of his impressive performances, the German club do want to sign him. But they are not ready to trigger his £35 million release clause which has opened the door for Aston Villa.
Aston Villa keen on signing Maatsen
Unai Emery has done wonders at Aston Villa, he has helped them secure Champions League football for next season and is now keen on reinforcing his squad. The Spanish boss wants a more attacking option at left-back and they are interested in the services of Maatsen.
Aston Villa were already in talks with Chelsea over the transfer of Jhon Duran. The Blues have been handed permission to discuss personal terms with his agent. Meanwhile, Emery’s team have enquired about the Dutch international, who has been called up for the Euros. But, they will only sign the 22-year-old if Duran ends up making the move to Stamford Bridge.
The Birmingham-based club are not in the best of financial situation, and they have been forced to sell Duran. Because of Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, they need to raise funds before making moves in the upcoming transfer window to bolster their squad.
