Exclusive: Chelsea’s 12-month option has enhanced their negotiating position against La Liga heavyweights who had been targeting a free transfer for Ian Maatsen.
In response to rumors that Barcelona is interested in signing Ian Maatsen, Chelsea has covertly exercised his option to extend his contract by one additional year.
Although Chelsea has solidified their position to extend the 21-year-old’s contract until 2025, his contract status is drawing interest from potential bidders.
According to rumors in Spain, Barcelona was eager to get Maatsen on a free transfer and could have started negotiations on the agreement in January. However, they now have to pay a sizable sum because an increasing number of Premier League teams, like Burnley and West Ham, are vying for their business.
Maatsen had hoped to play a major role at Stamford Bridge under Mauricio Pochettino, but the club accepted Burnley’s loan offer with a £31.5 million buyout requirement on deadline day
The Dutch junior international turned down the chance to rejoin his previous loan team, and West Ham, who had been unable to offload left-back Aaron Cresswell to create room, did not make any proposals.
According to Standard Sport, Maatsen has recently turned down two contract offers from Chelsea. He has only played 83 minutes in the league this season, which contributes to his reluctance.
For the first two months of Chelsea’s season, Levi Colwill has started at his preferred left-back position. However, Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella, two other left-sided defenders in the club, have given Colwill more competition.
With 18 months remaining on his contract, Maatsen seems content to wait and see if he can persuade Pochettino and club officials before accepting bids.
He will probably just play Saturday against Arsenal off the bench because Chelsea is now ranked 11th in the Premier League.
