West Ham United could be back in for Ian Maatsen as Chelsea development emerges
The door may well be open for West Ham to sign summer transfer target Ian Maatsen from Chelsea in the January window.
According to The Telegraph [28 September], Chelsea could be forced to listen to offers for Maatsen if he does not sign a new contract before then.
Matt Law reports that Mauricio Pochettino is a fan of the young full-back, but the club’s hand may be forced if the player is unwilling to commit to fresh terms.
Burnley had a £31.5million bid accepted for Maatsen on deadline day [Evening Standard], but the transfer ultimately did not go through for one reason or another.
The Netherlands U21 international is out of contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, and Chelsea do not want him to leave on a free.
West Ham were regularly linked with the Dutchman throughout the summer, with the Evening Standard reporting on 1 September that he was open to making the move.
United never did bring in a new left-back, which remains a somewhat troublesome position, so it makes sense for them to revive their interest.
Emerson Palmieri has started all six Premier League games this season and, while he has done a good job, Maatsen would be an upgrade – certainly in the long term.
The 21-year-old was named in the Championship Team of the Year last season after starring for Burnley in their rather serene promotion-winning campaign.
Maatsen is an attack-minded full-back, highlighted by his four goals and six assists in 39 league appearances last season.
After impressing for Chelsea during pre-season, Maatsen was expected to be a regular fixture in the side under Pochettino.
Perhaps due to his contract situation, though, that has not proved to be the case, and it may well be that he departs at the turn of the new year.
Should that be the case, West Ham would be wise to test the water with an offer for a player likely available for a cut-price fee.
Either way, this is no doubt a situation that Hammers chiefs will continue to monitor in the coming weeks.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers can sympathise with a club overseas after a development on Thursday [28 September].