Transfer Centre

Chelsea 'draw up two-man left-back shortlist'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 26 October 2023

Chelsea reportedly identify Inter Milan's Federico Dimarco and Boca Juniors' Valentin Barco as possible replacements for Ian Maatsen.

Chelsea have allegedly identified two ideal replacements for Ian Maatsen ahead of the left-back's expected departure from the club in 2024.

After playing a vital role in Burnley's promotion back to the Premier League in the 2022-23 season, Maatsen was given the opportunity to prove himself under Mauricio Pochettino in pre-season.

The 21-year-old quickly caught the eye during Chelsea's period of summer friendlies, scoring twice in a 5-0 win over Wrexham before providing an assist for Nicolas Jackson in a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United.

However, Maatsen has found top-flight minutes hard to come by this season, as he has failed to start a single Premier League game under Pochettino, albeit while making six appearances off the bench.

The Netherlands Under-21 international has earned starts against AFC Wimbledon and Brighton & Hove Albion in the EFL Cup, though, and Chelsea recently triggered a 12-month extension option in his contract to keep him on the books until 2025.

Chelsea's Ian Maatsen acknowledges fans after the match on August 13, 2023 © Reuters

There has been talk of a longer-term renewal too, but given his struggles for Premier League starts, Chelsea could instead cash in on Maatsen next year amid interest from West Ham United and Manchester City.

Maatsen's departure would leave the Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella as the Blues' only out-and-out full-backs, although Levi Colwill can also fill in out wide if necessary.

However, Cucurella has also flattered to deceive in West London and could also seek pastures new next year, while Chilwell continues to be plagued by injuries and is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.

According to TEAMtalk, Maatsen could head for the Stamford Bridge exit door as early as January, and Chelsea have already earmarked two players as possible successors to the Dutchman.

Inter Milan's Federico Dimarco is thought to be on the Blues' wishlist, and the Italy international's entourage are already understood to have held direct conversations with Chelsea representatives.

Boca Juniors' Valentin Barco celebrates with teammates after winning the penalty shootout on August 9, 2023 © Reuters

The 25-year-old has become renowned for his explosiveness and attacking qualities in a wing-back role for the Nerazzurri, amassing nine goals and 18 assists from 108 matches in all tournaments.

Dimarco remains under contract at San Siro until the summer of 2026, though, and Inter are reportedly prepared to demand as much as £50m for the defender, who is also on the radar of Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.

In addition, the report adds that Chelsea have also taken an interest in Boca Juniors starlet Valentin Barco, who has already been monitored by scouts from Manchester City and Brighton.

The 19-year-old has one goal and one assist to show from eight Copa Libertadores matches this term, as Boca Juniors prepare to meet Brazilian outfit in November's final.

Barco's existing deal with the Argentinian giants only runs until December 2024, meaning that he can negotiate pre-contract terms with foreign clubs in January if Boca are unable to agree an extension with the teenager.