Liverpool have reportedly joined the hunt to acquire Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen, who is’set to leave’ the Londoners in January.
Maatsen shined while on loan at Burnley last season, contributing ten Championship goals to Vincent Kompany’s promotion return to the Premier League.
Prior to the start of the season, the Clarets attempted to sign the left-back on a permanent basis. Chelsea received a loan-to-buy proposal (worth roughly £30 million), but Maatsen chose to reject the transfer.
Chelsea, which leads the 2023 Premier League net expenditure chart, has serious competition at left-back, with Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell now ahead of Maatsen in the pecking order.
Maatsen has yet to appear in a Premier League game under Mauricio Pochettino, and TEAMtalk reports that he is’set to leave’ in January.
Chelsea are said to be ‘eager to do business at left-back as they look to cover injuries and prepare for outgoings’. The story goes on to mention prospective destinations for Maatsen.
‘Burnley have maintained their interest in bringing the defender back to Turf Moor, where he spent last season on loan. According to insiders, Maatsen wants to stay at a top club, and Burnley’s present relegation position makes it a no-go destination for him.
‘Manchester City have also kept tabs on the Dutch international and would be interested in a trade if the right opportunity arose after meeting with his representatives in July. In the summer, however, nothing moved beyond a talk.
‘Sources also tell us that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp wants to add additional quality at left-back, and the 21-year-old is a possibility if they decide to make a move in the coming months.’
According to the source, Chelsea might replace Maatsen with Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco. They elaborate.
‘They have spoken directly with the agents of the Italian international, who is having a fantastic season.
‘As we previously revealed, Manchester United are also interested in Dimarco and have been following him for some time. According to insiders, Chelsea is the frontrunner in any potential trade.
‘If Inter are to authorize a transfer for a player with three years left on his present contract, they will demand near £50 million.’
