West Ham United have set their sights on Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen in a bid to secure his services during the January transfer window, as Dean Jones reports in Give Me Sport. The Hammers, who are looking to strengthen their left-back squad, are confident they can lure the young Dutchman away from Chelsea this winter, although Barcelona have also shown interest in him.
21-year-old Maatsen has struggled with frustrations despite his huge potential at Chelsea. Despite shining in pre-season ahead of the 2023/24 season, Mauricio Pochettino has failed to give him the confidence he needs, limiting his playing time to just 320 minutes in 14 appearances so far this season.
//-->
//-->
West Ham want Maatsen
With his future at Chelsea uncertain, the Blues are said to be willing to part with Maatsen’s £20,000-a-week wages. Potential suitors including West Ham United could seek a loan deal until the end of the season, although Chelsea would not consider offers of a permanent transfer until January.
West Ham see Maatsen as a viable solution as the left-back obviously relies on quality. Barcelona have also joined the offer and are looking to strengthen their left-back amid Alejandro Balde’s inconsistencies. According to Dean Jones, the Hammers are confident they have a “good chance” of signing the young defender.
Although a move to Barcelona could be attractive for Maatsen, West Ham promise more playing time, which could influence the versatile defender’s decision in the January transfer window. The uncertainty over Maatsen’s future makes a potential move exciting that could reshape his career in search of more consistent opportunities on the pitch.