Aston Villa’s deal to sign Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen is nearing completion and some fresh information on the proposal has now emerged.
Unai Emery is preparing to welcome Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen to Aston Villa after beating off interest from Borussia Dortmund for his signature.
Villa’s PSR concerns have forced them into selling Douglas Luiz to Juventus and alleviating those problems has allowed them to splash the cash on Maatsen.
The 22-year-old starred on loan for Dortmund last term as they reached the Champions League final before losing to Real Madrid.
There are several who are surprised that Chelsea are allowing the Dutch dynamo to join a direct rival but their loss is Emery’s gain.
Ian Maatsen’s contract length is now made clear
For Villa to sign one of the most promising full-backs on the planet is an excellent piece of business and it’s a sign that Monchi’s revelation at Villa Park is continuing.
It’s also impressive that Villa have persuaded Maatsen to commit six years to the club, with Sky Reporter Patrick Berger sharing some further details on his move to B6.
He’s claimed that alongside a six-year contract, Chelsea will receive a fee of more than €40m (£34m) while an official announcement is going to be made soon.
That is music to the ears of every single Villa supporter, who know they will be landing an upgrade on their current left-back options with a Champions League-level player.
Ian Maatsen’s stats show he’s Champions League quality
Villa’s defensive frailties were exploited in the Premier League last term, totalling more goals conceded (61) than relegation-threatened Everton, who had the league’s fourth-strongest defence.
Maatsen will instantly improve their solidity down the left flank as he ranks in the top 20% of defenders across Europe for interceptions, the top 20% for clearances and the top 16% for blocks.
That isn’t even the most impressive part of the Dutchman’s game; he’s a ball-carrying phenom, who uses his blistering pace and press resistance to carry his side up the pitch.
This is highlighted by him placing in the top 21% for progressive carries while showcasing he has the end product to match such devastating approach play.
Indeed, ranking in the top 13% for progressive passes and pass completion evinces his quality as a creative force down the flank.
A clear upgrade on current options, Lucas Digne and Alex Moreno, Maatsen whipping in balls for Ollie Watkins is a tantalising prospect and ahead of their Champions League campaign, they’ve got an elite-level wing-back to more than match that challenge.
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