Aston Villa are hopeful of signing of the versatile Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen, after agreeing terms on a six-year contract. The clubs are thought to have agreed a fee of more than £35m for the full-back, who is with the Netherlands at Euro 2024.
Maatsen spent the second half of last season on loan at the Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund. The 22-year-old, who has made 12 league appearances for Chelsea, spent the three previous seasons on loan at Burnley, Coventry and Charlton. The sale of Maatsen would be a major boost for Chelsea’s profitability and sustainability picture.
Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, who recently signed a new contract until 2029, is determined to strengthen his squad in preparation for the Champions League. Maatsen’s potential arrival increases doubts over the futures of the contracted left-backs Lucas Digne and Àlex Moreno.
Emery is also thought to be keen to add a right-back, two midfielders and a forward. Ross Barkley, who spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Villa Park, is expected to rejoin permanently from relegated Luton.
Villa need to be mindful of profitability and sustainability rules despite qualifying for the Champions League. Douglas Luiz’s possible departure to Juventus hit an impasse recently but there is still an expectation that a move could happen. There has been interest from Chelsea in Jhon Durán, and the centre-back Diego Carlos has also been linked with a move. Fringe players such as Cameron Archer and Tim Iroegbunam could be sold.
Maatsen was initially not selected for Euro 2024 by Ronald Koeman but was called into the squad after the midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners withdrew through injury.
