Chelsea youngster Ian Maatsen is now a subject of interest for West Ham along with Burnley
According to Simon Jones for the Daily Mail, West Ham United have joined Burnley in the race to sign young Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen in this summer window.
If a deal is agreed, the Dutchman will go out on loan for the upcoming season. He has done well during the pre-season under Mauricio Pochettino and is in line for a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
Maatsen was on loan at Burnley last season when they were in the Championship and won the title. He made 42 appearances in all competitions, mostly as a left-back, scoring four goals and assisting six (Transfermarkt).
After selling Declan Rice to Arsenal, West Ham are set to sign Edson Alvarez and are close to signing James Ward-Prowse and Harry Maguire. They now want Maatsen on a loan deal. The same goes for Vincent Kompany’s Burnley.
Given that the 21-year-old is a versatile player who can play as a left-back, centre-back and on the wing, would it be better to keep him for the season rather than agreeing a loan move? It is a strong possibility.
The fact that the Dutchman has done well in the pre-season (two goals and an assist in five games), him staying won’t be a bad thing for a season where Chelsea have to do better after a horrific last season.
It all depends on Pochettino now and whether the manager wants the player to stay even if he is not a regular starter. If there are doubts about that, then it might be sensible to send him on loan to a club where playing time is guaranteed.
More Chelsea News
- Crystal Palace are set to sign Lewis Hall from Chelsea on a season-long loan
- Chelsea are ramping up their pursuit of Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams with £20m release clause
- West Ham United are considering a summer swoop for Chelsea striker Armando Broja
West Ham could do with a player of the quality and versatility Maatsen possesses. They are playing in Europe, unlike Chelsea. So, David Moyes can utilise him for more minutes even if he is not an immediate starter.