West Ham United and Manchester City to battle for Ian Maatsen amid doubts over Chelsea future
West Ham are set to revisit their interest in Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen but face surprise competition from Manchester City, according to TEAMTalk.
The online news outlet explained Maatsen could be available for transfer in January if terms are not reached on a new deal for the Dutchman, whose contract runs out in June 2024.
The Daily Mail noted LaLiga giants Barcelona are also keeping tabs on Maatsen’s situation, with TeamTalk writing that City’s recruitment team see him as an intriguing option at left-back, while West Ham had been linked with his signature in the summer transfer window.
“Manchester City and West Ham United are expected to lead the race to keep Ian Maatsen in the Premier League if his Chelsea future is still in doubt at the end of this year, sources have told TEAMtalk,” a report on their website read.
“Maatsen is a surprise name on City’s watchlist as we head towards the new year, as his attributes and profile are of real intrigue to their recruitment staff. City’s current set-up does not suggest there is space for a player of his type at left-back but sources are indicating there is intent around finding new options for that spot.
“West Ham also had a look at him in the summer and are expected to now revisit that interest amid doubts surrounding their own left-back situation in the long run.”
Left-back wanted
Maatsen spent last season on loan at Burnley, who had a reported £31.5million bid accepted for his services only for the player to turn down the move.
It is not exactly surprising to see why when you look at the calibre of clubs keeping tabs on his situation and, truthfully, the Hammers would also find it difficult to snare his signature given both Barca and Man City are being linked to him.
What is clear is that David Moyes obviously wants a left-back. Aaron Cresswell looks certain to depart in January having failed to agree a move away in the summer, meaning there is a lack of senior back-up to Emerson Palmieri.
Guilherme Arana of Atletico Miniero and Palmeiras defender Luis Guilherme have also been linked to West Ham, so the reports that Maatsen remains on their radar hardly come as a surprise.
What may work in the Hammers’ favour is the fact he would likely get more first-team minutes than he would at either City or Barca, but the fear then would obviously be that a move to the London Stadium may be viewed by the player as a stepping stone. It looks like one to keep an eye on in the coming months, though.
In other West Ham news, Daniel Kretinsky has no need to cash in on any Qatar offer after a £1.7bn update dropped last week.