Man City target young Chelsea defender who is stalling over new contract after Blues agree £31m fee

MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly in the running to sign Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen.

Posted Monday, September 11, 2023 by Thesun.co.uk

The left-back is stalling over extending terms at Stamford Bridge, with his deal set to expire at the end of the season.

Man City target young Chelsea defender who is stalling over new contract after Blues agree £31m fee
Manchester City reportedly want to sign Ian Maatsen

Maatsen, 21, starred on loan for Burnley last season in the Championship as he played a key role in the Clarets' promotion to the Premier League.

Chelsea are keen to tie him down to a new deal. However, the club accepted Burnley's bid late in the transfer window, only for the move to collapse.

The Blues had accepted a loan with an obligation to buy Maatsen worth £31.5million, but he rejected the move.

The Dutchman had plenty of interest during the window as West Ham were also tracking him.

90min have now reported that Manchester City are among a number of clubs from England and Europe that are keen on signing the defender.

Manager Pep Guardiola is looking to add a natural left-sided defender to his squad.

It would give the Spaniard a more natural option in the left-back role than makeshift full-back Nathan Ake.

Maatsen has made four appearances for the Blues this season, overtaking Marc Cucurella in the pecking order under boss Mauricio Pochettino.

The report has claimed that Chelsea remain hopeful of securing a new deal for Maatsen.

However, should they fail, he could be available for a cut-price fee in January as the Blues may look to cash in rather than lose him on a free transfer next summer.