Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen could be joining Aston Villa this summer, but it does not look like they are his first choice.
The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Aston Villa had agreed a deal with Chelsea to sign Ian Maatsen.
The left-back spent the second half of last season at Borussia Dortmund, where he impressed.
In total, Maatsen made 23 appearances and scored three goals, helping Dortmund to reach the Champions League final.
He now looks to have played his last game for Chelsea.
Aston Villa not Ian Maatsen’s preference
While Maatsen is closing in a move to Villa, they do not seem to be his preferred destination.
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, the 22-year-old wants to join Dortmund permanently, but the German club cannot afford him.
Reporting on Maatsen’s imminent move to Villa on X, Plettenberg said: “Maatsen still fundamentally wants to stay in Dortmund. But the total package is too expensive for Borussia.
“Aston Villa now pushing to sign him with a verbal agreement reached and there’s already a big offer for Chelsea in place.”
Aston Villa a great alternative to Borussia Dortmund for Ian Maatsen
It is easy to understand why Maatsen wants to stay at Dortmund.
They are one of the biggest clubs in Germany and recently reached the final of the Champions League.
He looked at home there, finally getting game time after a difficult period at Chelsea. Joining Villa, though, would still be an excellent move for the Dutchman.
They are now a Champions League side after finishing fourth in the Premier League last season, while Unai Emery is a top coach. The Spaniard should help him to develop into a much better player.
As for Enzo Maresca and Chelsea, they are likely to go into the 2024/25 campaign with Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell as their first and second-choice left-backs.
However, there is still time for the club to strengthen in that position, with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez currently being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.