Barcelona 'considering move for Chelsea's Ian Maatsen'

Barcelona are reportedly keeping a close eye on Ian Maatsen's contract situation at Chelsea with a view to potentially moving for the left-back next summer.

The 21-year-old arrived at Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in 2018, and he made his first-team debut for the London club against Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup in September 2019.

Maatsen spent time on loan at Charlton Athletic and Coventry City before a standout spell with Burnley during the 2022-23 campaign, helping the Clarets win the Championship.

The Netherlands Under-21s international scored four goals and registered six assists in 42 appearances for Vincent Kompany's side last term before returning to Stamford Bridge.

Maatsen has played eight times for the Blues this season, including six appearances in the Premier League, although all of those outings in England's top flight have come off the bench.

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There is currently huge uncertainty when it comes to the defender's long-term future with Chelsea, as his contract with the London giants is due to expire next summer.

A recent report claimed that the Blues will listen to offers for the Dutchman in January if they are unable to convince him to sign a new contract.

Maatsen is believed to have rejected two offers from Chelsea, with the full-back holding out for better terms.

As it stands, foreign clubs will be able to speak to him in January about the possibility of a move on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.

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According to Sport, Barcelona are attentive to the situation, with the defender seen as a possible replacement for ex-Chelsea full-back Marcos Alonso.

The report claims that the Catalan giants want to bring in support for Alejandro Balde on the left, and Maatsen is viewed as the ideal signing due to the fact that he could be available on a free transfer.

Barcelona have allegedly been scouting the Dutchman on a regular basis over the last couple of years, with his performances at Burnley said to have been monitored.

Maatsen, who is also capable of operating further forward on the left, was a late substitute in Chelsea's 4-1 win over Burnley in the Premier League before the international break.

The defender's two starts this season have come in the EFL Cup, featuring from the first whistle against AFC Wimbledon and Brighton & Hove Albion in the second and third round respectively.