West Ham United may miss out on Ian Maatsen as Manchester City join transfer race
West Ham may have missed their opportunity to secure a deal for Chelsea wing-back Ian Maatsen, as Manchester City have become the latest club to register their interest, according to 90min.
The Hammers were linked to a late move for Maatsen but opted not to make a move after Aaron Cresswell remained at the club [The Express, 1 September], and City’s interest has now reduced their chances of a future deal.
The report claims that Chelsea have been unsuccessful so far in their efforts to tie Maatsen down to a new contract, who has emerged as a target for City as they want to sign a natural left-back.
Maatsen reportedly turned down a loan return to Burnley on deadline day which would have seen a £31.5million permanent signing happen next summer, which has opened the door for a different exit from Stamford Bridge if he does not sign the contract on offer.
West Ham’s interest suggests they would be a side in the running for his signature, particularly if they wish to add younger options in the full-back positions to prepare for the future, but their chances of landing a deal will fall significantly if City backs up their interest.
Had the Hammers moved quickly, they could have had a deal for Maatsen wrapped up already alongside their other new signings. As it stands though, they will now face fierce competition if they return to this deal in the January transfer window.
An example that can be pointed to is West Ham’s deal for Mohammed Kudus. The East London club got this one over the line despite late interest from Chelsea [90min, 18 August] because they moved quickly to bring him in, whereas their delays look to have cost them with Maatsen.
In other West Ham news, a talkSPORT pundit has shared his verdict on David Moyes’ future.