Chelsea have already got their first signing of the summer on board and will likely have a busy summer on the transfer front.
The Blues have snapped up Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer to replace Thiago Silva, who has returned to Fluminense on a free transfer.
More incomings are expected, but Chelsea will also have to move some players on in order to trim down their squad and balance their books.
And at this moment in time, they’re said to be in talks to sell one of their defenders, with Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth sharing an update on the matter.
The player in question is Ian Maatsen, who spent the first half of the year on loan at Borussia Dortmund.
Maatsen has been on Chelsea’s books since 2018, joining as a youth player, but has made just 16 senior appearances for the Blues.
The Dutchman has spent time on loan at Charlton Athletic, Coventry City and Burnley before linking up with Dortmund in January.
Maatsen was a success at the Signal Iduna Park, helping the Bundesliga side reach the Champions League final.
Although the 22-year-old is set to return to Chelsea now his loan has finished, he is reportedly eager to continue his career with Dortmund.
What has Dharmesh Sheth said about Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen?
Sheth told GiveMeSport: “One potential signing that they could get big money for is Ian Maatsen.
“We do know that he went on loan to Borussia Dortmund and had a really successful spell, getting to the Champions League final.
“Before he went there, he signed an extension on his contract at Chelsea that takes him to 2026 and it’s our understanding the contract includes a release clause of around £35million.
“We know Dortmund want to keep him and we know Maatsen wants to stay. He’s happy at Dortmund, but the club don’t want to pay £35million.
“It’s simply too high of a figure for them, so they are currently in talks with Chelsea over potentially negotiating that release clause and maybe bringing it down to potentially around £30million.
“It definitely is one to watch and it’s definitely one Chelsea could make a bit of money from.”
Chelsea seem eager to make pure profit
Maatsen has certainly proven himself at the highest level and, as such, you’d like to think Chelsea would give him a chance in the squad.
However, as is the case with Conor Gallagher, selling Maatsen would constitute pure profit in terms of their books as he’s an academy graduate.
With Chelsea seemingly pushing to the limit of PSR regulations, there is added pressure on them to sell players, particularly those who have come through the academy.