Burnley have agreed a price with Chelsea to sign Ian Maatsen.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have accepted a bid of £31.5 million from Burnley for Ian Maatsen.
However, the player is yet to agree personal terms with the Clarets or decide if he even wants the move, leaving his future at Stamford Bridge in the balance.
If Burnley can get this deal for Maatsen over the line it will be a history making moment. This move would smash the club’s current record fee paid for a player, which was set earlier this summer when they signed Swiss striker Zeki Amdouni for €18 million (£15.4 million).
Vincent Kompany will be comfortable committing such an outlay for Maatsen as he knows exactly what he’d be getting from the 21-year-old.
Maatsen spent last season on loan at Turf Moor, and played a key role in helping Burnley secure promotion to the Premier League as Championship title-winners. Maatsen played 42 times for Kompany’s side over the course of the campaign, in all competitions, and chipped in with four goals.
Chelsea U-turn on Maatsen
One of the reasons the Dutchman may be reluctant to return on a permanent basis is that Maurcio Pochettino stated earlier this summer that the youngster is in his plans at Chelsea. As quoted by the club’s official website, the Argentine coach said, “I am so happy with him. He is a player that can play in different positions. He has quality, he understands the game, and he is such a clever player. So far, he is in my plan, yes.”
However, the situation now looks to have changed in west London. As reported by journalist Miguel Delaney, Chelsea are currently actively trying to convince Maatsen to join Burnley, as his sale will help them to fall in line with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
Whatever the reason for Chelsea’s change of heart, Kompany will be desperate for Maatsen to follow suit and embrace a return to Burnley. If the Clarets can bring him back, it will be seen as a major statement of intent from the newly-promoted outfit.