Aston Villa has reached an agreement with Chelsea to acquire left-back Ian Maatsen. The reported fee for the 22-year-old is believed to be in the range of £35m to £40m, with additional add-ons. It is expected that Maatsen will sign a six-year contract at Villa Park, and it is anticipated that personal terms will not pose a significant obstacle.
The young left-back was previously subject to a £35m release clause, which drew interest from Borussia Dortmund. The Bundesliga club was keen to secure Maatsen on a permanent basis following an impressive loan spell last season. Maatsen made 16 appearances in the Bundesliga and scored two goals during his time at Dortmund. Additionally, he featured in the Champions League for the German club, scoring once in seven appearances.
Despite Dortmund’s interest, they are currently unable to meet the release clause in Maatsen’s contract, which has created an opportunity for Aston Villa to finalize the deal.
With the opening of the 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership, clubs are actively seeking to reinforce their squads. The window is scheduled to close on August 30, providing teams with ample time to complete their transfer dealings.
In an effort to align with other major European leagues, the Premier League and Scottish Premiership have brought forward Deadline Day. This decision was made in consultation with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain, and France to ensure coordinated closing dates across the continent.
The upcoming transfer window promises to be filled with excitement and anticipation as clubs aim to strengthen their rosters ahead of the new season. Stay tuned for further updates as the transfer saga continues to unfold.
Source: Sky Sports