Burnley are hoping to bring Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen back to the club on a permanent deal following his successful loan spell at the club last season.
According to Alan Nixon, the Clarets are working on a deal to see the 21-year-old return to Turf Moor for a cut-price fee of £10million plus extras due to him being out of contract with the Blues next summer.
Maatsen has starred for Mauricio Pochettino’s side during pre-season, scoring a brace against newly promoted League Two outfit Wrexham, but Chelsea now look set to face a battle to keep hold of him.
It is no surprise that Vincent Kompany is an admirer of the young defender. Whilst a Clarets loanee, he made 42 appearances for the club and contributed to ten goals as he found the net four times and registered six assists.
Being part of the Burnley squad that won promotion last season, it would take no time at all for the youngster to settle in. However, it is unclear whether Maatsen wants to stay and fight for his place at Stamford Bridge under the new manager.
From Chelsea’s point of view, it would likely make sense to cash in on the talented Dutchman. They are not short of left-back options with Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella and Levi Colwill all capable of owning that position. The trio are all tried and tested Premier League talents, so for Maatsen to break into the fold at this stage may be too much to ask.
What next for Maatsen?
The Clarets will be hopeful that the promise of first team football will be enough to lure the defender back to the club on a permanent basis.
Kompany has made seven signings already this summer. Lawrence Vigouroux, Jordan Beyer, Dara O’Shea, Michael Obafemi, Zeki Amdouni, James Trafford and Nathan Redmond have all put pen to paper with the club.
We will have to wait and see if Maatsen will become the eighth arrival ahead of Burnley’s top flight return.