Premier League giants Chelsea are ready to offer a new contract to an up-and-coming member of the club’s defensive ranks, at the behest of boss Mauricio Pochettino.
The player in question? Ian Maatsen.
For those not familiar with his name, Maatsen is a 21-year-old left-back, who first linked up with Chelsea’s academy setup from Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven back in 2018.
Last season, the youngster was farmed out on a 3rd successive loan, linking up with Vincent Kompany’s Burnley.
And to say that Maatsen went on to impress across his time at Turf Moor would be something of an understatement, with the defender’s haul of four goals and six assists across 39 appearances having proven crucial to Burnley’s eventual Championship triumph.
Maatsen, in turn, has since linked back up with Chelsea, shining once more during pre-season, to the tune of two goals and one assist, all whilst playing out of position.
Ian Maatsen – Pre Season @maatsen_ian
pic.twitter.com/zVPEDMzaKr— َ (@CheIseaComps) August 3, 2023
This comes amid claims that the Dutch youth international is now in line to stay put at Stamford Bridge for the season ahead.
As per a report from Nizaar Kinsella of the Evening Standard:
‘Mauricio Pochettino has told Ian Maatsen he wants to keep him at Chelsea as contract renewal talks begin.’
Maatsen’s current terms in west London are due to expire next summer, with the likes of West Ham United, Burnley, Ajax and RC Lens all keen to lure him away from Chelsea.
Should Pochettino and co. have their way, however, then the youngster will be going nowhere, albeit with another loan – in the case of a new contract being agreed – not out of the question.
Mauricio Pochettino has told Ian Maatsen he wants him to stay and Chelsea have begun contract negotiations.
His future is still not secure with West Ham, Ajax and Lens chasing him: https://t.co/DQCWJfevgX #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) August 5, 2023
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