West Ham United must be prepared. Chelsea’s stance has clarified Ian Maatsen’s bid.
West Ham must make sure they are first in line for Ian Maatsen, who is expected to be sold by Chelsea in January.
In the summer, the Irons were heavily linked with the Netherlands Under-21s international as a replacement for Aaron Cresswell and Emerson Palmieri.
It is unclear why a move did not take place, but Maatsen ultimately stayed at Stamford Bridge and has seen his career stagnate.
United are not alone in their interest, according to Dean Jones [GIVEMESPORT, 22 October], as Manchester City and Barcelona are also interested.
According to The Telegraph [27 November], Chelsea is ready to offload the defender in January in order to raise funds for players in other positions.
Burnley are also said to have been unsuccessful with a £31.5 million bid in the summer [The Metro, 1 September], which was the player’s choice rather than Chelsea’s.
Because of the rumoured interest, as well as his valuation, West Ham will have a difficult time signing Maatsen in January, but it is a move that makes perfect sense.
Cresswell’s contract expires at the end of the season, and he will almost certainly leave London Stadium. This season, Emerson has been a regular at left-back, but is he a long-term option in that position?
While Maatsen is inexperienced in the Premier League, he lit up the Championship with Burnley last season, explaining their desperate desire to sign him on a permanent basis.
The Dutchman had double-digit assists (10) and scored six goals himself. Maatsen also stood out defensively, which is usually the first port of call for a defender, and was named to the Championship’s Team of the Year.
Despite the fact that United will require a new striker at some point in 2024, other positions will be scrutinized at the end of the season. And it’s possible that talented target Maatsen will be unavailable by July.
West Ham should therefore prepare to pounce when the transfer window reopens in a little over a month.
