Aston Villa have now made an enquiry about signing a Chelsea defender during this summer transfer window.
Blues fans will be eager to see how the defence shapes up next season under new head coach Enzo Maresca, who’s preferred a back four system during his brief managerial career so far.
Now that Thiago Silva has left, there’s got to be serious question marks about the experience and quality of the backline at Stamford Bridge.
It’s now been claimed that Premier League rivals Aston Villa would like to sign a defender from Chelsea this summer.
Aston Villa enquire about Chelsea player
According to The Telegraph, Villa have enquired about signing Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen.
The 22-year-old left back spent the second half of last season out on loan at Borussia Dortmund, where he impressed as a main starter for the side that finished runners-up in the Champions League.
It is understood that Dortmund are not prepared to meet Maatsen’s £35m release clause.
Therefore, the door is open for Villa and other interested suitors to swoop in for the attack-minded full-back.
It’s worth adding that Unai Emery’s side will only sign Chelsea players in this window if their striker Jhon Duran completes a move to Stamford Bridge.
Clubs should cough up £35m for Ian Maatsen
We’d be open to Maatsen being reintegrated to the Chelsea squad for pre-season under the new manager, but if his future lies away from the club then sticking to a £35m valuation is fair.
The Dutch left-back, who’s been drafted into his nation’s squad at the last minute for Euro 2024, has so much potential and quality.
Described as “hugely talented” by Simon Moore via The Athletic a few years ago, Maatsen has such a bright future at the top level.
GiveMeSport recently claimed that Bayern Munich like the idea of signing Maatsen. Chelsea are listening to offers for him this window, too.
Now that Villa can offer their players Champions League football next season, we think they may be a decent fit for Maatsen.