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Barcelona have identified Ian Maatsen as a transfer target for the summer of 2024, Sport reports.
The 21-year-old Chelsea left-back has an expired contract in London and has not figured much in coach Mauricio Pochettino’s plans this season. Last summer, the Dutch youth international was able to switch from Chelsea to Burnley just before the transfer window closed.
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Barça consider Maatsen to be the successor to Marcos Alonso, who was signed by the Spanish club on a free transfer from Chelsea in the summer of 2022. The 32-year-old Spaniard has an expired contract and, if he does not accept a salary reduction, it will go.
Although Alejandro Balde is currently seen as the first choice for the left-back position, the Catalans are looking for a replacement. According to Sport, Maatsen has been followed for several years by Barcelona scouts, who praise him for his attacking qualities. The left back is highly appreciated by Barcelona, who also follow Valentín Barco.
Due to the financial problems the club is currently going through, Barcelona has to rely on non-transfer opportunities. Last summer, Ilkay Gündogan (from Manchester City) and Iñigo Martínez (from Athletic Club) arrived at the first Spanish club on a free transfer and a year earlier, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessié were signed on a free transfer from Chelsea and AC Milan, respectively.
Dilemma
Maatsen could leave Chelsea after this season; However, according to The Daily Telegraph, talks for his renewal are proceeding without setbacks.
If a deal is not reached, The Blues will attempt to sell Maatsen in January. The English club will therefore be able to receive a transfer fee due to the departure of the full-back, who should be open to leaving in the next transfer window. Previously, Maatsen appeared to be on his way out when Burnley saw a bid of around €36.4 million accepted by Chelsea late last summer; However, the former Feyenoord and PSV youth player, among others, saw nothing in a permanent transfer to Burnley.
Maatsen played 83 minutes in 6 league games for Chelsea this season and also started 2 EFL Cup games. Pochettino, who has personnel problems at the back, has indicated that he is very fond of the side. However, the Chelsea manager preferred Levi Colwill instead of Maatsen at left back in the last two league games.
2023-10-16 16:05:44
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