The summer transfer window has taken another turn for Aston Villa early on, as one target now looks set to join the club.
It’s been a fast start to the summer for Monchi and Unai Emery who are in the process of offloading players to generate profit.
The duo are set to bid farewell to the likes of Douglas Luiz and Jhon Duran in the coming weeks although, exits aren’t the only activity happening at Villa Park.
On Wednesday, it was reported that Aston Villa had struck a deal with Chelsea to sign left-back target Ian Maatsen.
Aston Villa expected to complete the signing of Ian Maatsen from Chelsea
Speculation between Chelsea and Villa was thought to be solely regarding Duran’s future, making the capture of Maatsen a pleasant surprise for the Villans.
Journalist David Ornstein reported that Villa had reached an ‘agreement’ to sign the defender, who is expected to arrive at Villa Park on a six year contract.
A fee in the region of £35m will see the Dutchman join Emery’s project, in what is a strong capture for Monchi so early into the summer.
While Emery’s exciting development of Villa is attractive to targets, journalist Nizaar Kinsella relayed one factor that was ‘key’ to Maatsen’s proposed transfer.
Kinsella relayed that ‘Champions League football was key to the move’, reinforcing the importance of qualifying for next season’s tournament in order to poach top targets.
Maatsen signing is exciting for Villa
After a searing loan spell at Borussia Dortmund ended with the Champions League final, the German club made their desire known to sign the left-back permanently.
Instead, Villa will take the 22-year-old from Chelsea’s grasp, in what is a capture coming at the perfect time for the squad’s development.
Earlier this week it was speculated that either Lucas Digne or Alex Moreno would leave the club this summer, with Maatsen’s arrival now representing an upgrade in the position.
The 2022/23 season in the Championship on loan at Burnley was a turning point in the Dutchman’s career, as he was then handed a chance to finally show his worth in the Premier League.
Given Chelsea’s dysfunctional squad over 2023/24 and competition, the 22-year-old joined Dortmund on loan in January, and will now be given a platform to shine in the top flight.
It’s a thrilling time for Villa despite their ongoing PSR concerns, with the signing of Maatsen a symbol of the squad’s progression after securing Champions League football.
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