Aston Villa interested in £35m Chelsea star but deal hinges on Jhon Duran transfer

Aston Villa keeping an eye on Chelsea full-back Ian Maatsen

Aston Villa have emerged as the latest club to show interest in Chelsea star Ian Maatsen. The full-back is set to return to Chelsea after a successful loan spell at Borussia Dortmund. While Dortmund is keen on signing him permanently, their reluctance to meet Chelsea’s £35 million price tag could stall the deal.

According to the Telegraph, via Football.London, Villa has inquired about the Dutch full-back, potentially taking advantage of Dortmund’s hesitation. Villa’s willingness to meet the release clause could give them a significant advantage in securing Maatsen.

Meanwhile, Chelsea is keen on signing Villa’s Colombian striker John Duran, who is valued at £40 million. It is understood that Villa may only be able to complete the deal for Maatsen if they sell Duran, creating a potential negotiation pathway between the two clubs.

Chelsea are keen on signing Jhon Duran, and talks have taken place, but the deal is still far from done. Ian Maatsen, who will be representing the Netherlands in Euro 2024, could see his market value increase if he performs impressively throughout the tournament.

With new manager Enzo Maresca taking charge, his input on Maatsen’s future will be crucial. If Maresca believes Maatsen fits into his system, Chelsea might decide to keep the fullback rather than selling him, especially since they are not under immediate pressure to sell players to comply with Premier League PSR regulations.

Chelsea’s decision will likely depend on a combination of Maatsen’s performance at the Euros, Maresca’s assessment of his fit within the squad, and the ongoing negotiations for Duran. Balancing these factors will help the club make the best decision for their future plans and squad composition.

Maatsen enjoyed an excellent spell at Borussia Dortmund, helping the team reach the Champions League final, although they ultimately lost 2-0. This loan move proved to be a wise decision, as it allowed Maatsen to gain more minutes on the pitch and showcase his talent on a bigger stage.

His impressive performances at Dortmund have already enhanced his reputation, and he now has another significant opportunity to cement his status in football during Euro 2024. A strong showing in the tournament could further increase his market value and solidify his place as a top-tier fullback.

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Chelsea’s decision will likely depend on a combination of Maatsen’s performance at the Euros, Maresca’s assessment of his fit within the squad, and the ongoing negotiations for Duran. Balancing these factors will help the club make the best decision for their future plans.