Joe Roberts

Sat 22 July 2023 7:41, UK

West Ham are considering a £17.3million move for Chelsea’s Dutch left-back Ian Maatsen, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The newspaper has reported (22 July, pg 32) that the Hammers are looking to improve their left-back options this summer, but Chelsea’s new manager Mauricio Pochettino is a big fan of Maatsen following a quality pre-season outing against Wrexham.

Chelsea initially considered a loan or transfer for the 21-year-old, but impressive performances may make the move more difficult for West Ham.

Difficult

Maatsen has quietly proved his worth over the last three seasons.

Loan spells to Charlton Athletic, Coventry City and most recently Burnley has given the full-back needed experience before his chance at first-team action.

Now West Ham are sniffing around, but Chelsea’s newfound admiration for Maatsen could make the deal more difficult to complete. His impressive performance in a 5-0 win against Wrexham in pre-season, in which he scored twice, has turned heads on the Chelsea board and forced them to reconsider his future at the club.

Following the Wrexham outing, Pochettino discussed the benefit of having youth in pre-season and hinted at the fact youth could play a role next season. He said, via BBC Sport: “We have a lot of players in the squad, many young players. It is not difficult, it is good to have all these players and the names we have.

“It is important for them and for us to have a real assessment. For sure all have quality, they need time and space to show they can compete for a place in the squad.”

However, West Ham are in need of a new left-back, currently just an ageing Aaron Cresswell and Emerson in this position. The Hammers could be in a stronger position to convince the Netherlands youth regular as they would likely offer him much more game time than Chelsea.

That, with the boost of European football next season, could be enough to convince Maatsen that a switch to East London may be the best move for his career.

Maatsen often plays in an advanced position for a full-back and pitches in with attacking moves. His 6.14 progressive passes per 90 (94th percentile), 3.51 progressive carries (96th percentile) and 0.16 assists per 90 (84th percentile) [FBRef] reflect his ability to create attacking chances and provide for his teammates.

However, Chelsea may not make the deal easy for the Irons, and a move may depend on how highly they rate Maatsen and if he has a genuine role to play at Stamford Bridge next season may.

In other West Ham news, the club’s potential Declan Rice replacement has made his stance clear about the direction of his footballing future.