Ian Maatsen of Chelsea is a player that Manchester City is thinking about acquiring on a cheap deal as Pep Guardiola wants to bolster his left-back options. The Premier League champions had already let Joao Cancelo transfer to Barcelona.
Manchester City has reportedly shown interest in signing the Dutch left-back, who turned down the chance to join Burnley on loan, according to 90min (h/t Express). Chelsea now expects to extend Maatsen’s contract after learning that the left-back intended to stay with the West Londoners despite having earlier this summer rejected Burnley’s £31.5 million bid.
The young player spent the entire season on loan at Turf Moor, where he turned in a standout performance and is now part of Mauricio Pochettino’s plans for this year. Numerous clubs have expressed interest in Maatsen, and Pochettino is a big fan of the left-back after seeing how well he performed in preseason.
Despite having Marc Cucurella, Pochettino has frequently utilised the 21-year-old while Ben Chilwell has also been involved in the previous four Premier League games.
![Manchester City Sets Sights on Chelsea Full-Back in Bargain Transfer Deal 2 Ian Maatsen](https://i0.wp.com/i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/07/14/00/60243017-0-image-a-101_1657755131515.jpg?resize=636%2C382&ssl=1)
Maatsen, though, has hardly ever played as a left-back under Pochettino, who has instead used him on the flanks. The Dutch player’s presence at Chelsea will be beneficial because the Blues will have more choices at fullback thanks to his skills.
After turning down Vincent Kompany’s side offer, maybe he will sign a long-term contract. Given that Pochettino has demonstrated confidence in starting Maatsen at left-back, one thing is certain: despite playing out of position, he will get a respectable amount of game time for the Blues.
Since the Blues were willing to loan him to them with a buy-back provision, if he decides against agreeing to a new contract, Chelsea might think about selling him once more if Manchester City makes a strong offer. Joao Cancelo’s loan to Barcelona has left City without a quality left-back since his departure. It is questionable, though, if they would be willing to sign Maatsen with a buy-back clause.