Chelsea start contract talks with 21-year-old after impressive pre-season

Ian Maatsen is set to remain at Chelsea next season and has entered talks to renew his deal

According to Evening Standard, Chelsea have started talks with Ian Maatsen in order to renew his contract at the club, as Mauricio Pochettino wants to keep him for next season after the left-back impressed in pre-season.

Maatsen largely played on the wings despite being a full-back, but his performance convinced the Blues’ boss to keep the 21-year-old at Chelsea; hence, contract talks have also begun.

He had two goals and one assist to his name on Chelsea’s pre-season tour as they won the Premier League Summer Series. Moreover, he was deployed on the left wing in attack in games and in training, showcasing his utility.

The u21 Netherlands international has just one year left on his contract, and the Blues were also open to selling him for £20 million plus add-ons and also rejected Burnley’s £15 million bid this summer.

The 21-year-old has attracted interest from plenty of clubs, such as West Ham United, Ajax, and Lens. During the pre-season, the Dutchman claimed he wanted to remain in West London but also needed optimism concerning his development at Chelsea.

Now it seems he will have a big role to play in the upcoming season, which starts at Stamford Bridge on August 13 when Chelsea will welcome Liverpool.

Impressing Pochettino was sufficient for him to be added to his plans, but once the season begins, he will play in a different atmosphere because he spent his whole campaign in the Championship the previous year.

However, he soon found his place among his Chelsea colleagues throughout the preseason, and his two goals and one assist spoke eloquently about his performance. More than that, it was his technical proficiency, speed and attacking runs which made him an exciting option to have.

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Given his success in pre-season, Maatsen is anticipated to play either on the wings or even as the No. 10. Much thanks to Pochettino, who has also assisted Maatsen in quickly adjusting to the club and fitting into his system. Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell are expected to be the top two senior left-backs at the club this season.

Mykhaylo Mudryk will undoubtedly be a starting left-winger. But as a substitute and in cup games, the Dutchman can be of use to us.