Chelsea in contract standoff with star who rejected £31.5m summer transfer

Chelsea are struggling to secure the future of highly-rated left-back Ian Maatsen

Chelsea remain unsure about the future of talented left-back Ian Maatsen following ongoing struggles to tie him down to a new contract.

According to the Telegraph (h/t Metro), the 21-year-old Dutch defender rejected a deadline-day move to Burnley, this summer despite Chelsea accepting a £31.5 million bid.

However, Maatsen has also been unable to agree to extend terms with Chelsea since the start of September. With his current deal expiring at the season’s end, the Blues will know that selling Maatsen in January is the only way to avoid losing him for free.

Ian Maatsen had started in Chelsea’s recent League Cup win against Brighton & Hove Albion. It was his second start of the season for the Blues. With Injuries affecting Chelsea’s left-back options and Marc Cucurella’s future uncertain, the 21-year-old Maatsen could be playing an even bigger part for the Blues if he signs a new deal.

A Chelsea youth product, Maatsen gained experience in loan spells at Charlton Athletic, Coventry, and Burnley. He played a key role in helping Burnley earn promotion last season but turned down a permanent return this season.

With Marc Cucurella’s long-term Chelsea future uncertain, retaining Maatsen’s services has added importance for the Blues. But after rejecting a big-money Burnley move, he is yet to commit to an extension at Stamford Bridge.

However, convincing the Dutch international to stay requires showing he has a defined first-team path under manager Mauricio Pochettino. Continuous chances under Pochettino could help sway Maatsen.

While Pochettino integrates him into the first team gradually, Maatsen will ultimately want assurances of his importance going forward. Chelsea must bridge the gap in contract talks if they are serious about keeping him. If not, they risk losing one of Europe’s most promising left-backs for nothing.

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Renewing Maatsen’s deal will be the key to fortifying Chelsea’s long-term future at left-back. Let’s wait and see how this goes. Of course, he can fetch us a huge sum in the present.

But it would be downright odd if we sell the young talent that we have, who have fair experience in England, and continue signing youngsters from across the globe. His versatility is in itself a trait to treasure and he can be honed into a world-class talent under Poch.