West Ham United could eye Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen transfer as Fabrizio Romano drops update
West Ham could be handed another chance to secure the services of Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen in the January transfer window.
Fabrizio Romano reported on Tuesday (5 September) that the Blues are looking to tie him down to a new deal after he rejected a move to Burnley on transfer deadline day.
However, with his contract at Stamford Bridge running out in 2024, Chelsea will look to find a solution in the market in 2024 and that could see a sale being sanctioned in January.
Romano wrote on Twitter, “Chelsea want Ian Maatsen to sign new long term deal — this was also issue on Deadline Day as #CFC agreed on £31m package with Burnley due to contract situation… but Maatsen rejected.
“Future now depends on contract; new deal or solution to be found on the market in 2024.”
Evening Standard reported on 1 September that while the option was there to sign for Burnley, he would’ve preferred joining West Ham.
The Hammers had been chasing the 21-year-old all summer as it seemed like Aaron Cresswell would be on his way out.
This would see the Dutchman being signed as a backup or competition with Emerseon for the left-back role.
Maatsen would’ve also offered David Moyes the option to deploy him in more advanced positions and he could also fit in on the right flank which could’ve seen Mohammed Kudus or Jarrod Bowen leading the line.
However, once the window opens again, Cresswell is very likely to be among those who will be on the market and should he leave, there’s a good chance the 21-year-old is the primary target if he’s not signed a new deal by then.
In other West Ham news, the club have now opened advanced talks with a Premier League player who appears to be open to leaving his side this summer.