Liverpool joins Manchester City in the race to sign a £31.5 million defender who is’set to leave’ Chelsea
According to the publication, the 21-year-old is “set to leave” Stamford Bridge when the transfer market reopens in January, despite the fact that the Blues have exercised an option to extend his contract for another year until 2025.
Maatsen has not committed his long-term future to Chelsea, and despite his club accepting a £31.5 million bid from Burnley in the summer, he has opted to wait for another side that is not fighting relegation.
According to reports, the Dutchman “is an option” for Liverpool, who are looking to add extra cover at left-back. Meanwhile, City’s interest dates back to the summer, when preliminary talks were undertaken with the player’s agency.
Would Chelsea sell Maatsen to a competitor?
In the new year, the fullback will have 18 months left on his present contract, and the Blues are likely to be happy to let him go for a reasonable sum.
Rival Premier League clubs have been doing business with each other more and more recently, as shown when City traded Cole Palmer to Chelsea, so there is a chance that both Liverpool and the Citizens might be in the running to sign Maatsen.
Do Liverpool need another left-back?
Kostas Tsimikas only recently signed a new four-year deal, so the Greek international is unlikely to be traded anytime soon.
Andy Robertson underwent surgery for a dislocated shoulder, but he is anticipated to be back in action by the beginning of January, so Maatsen would not be required to fill his spot. The Chelsea player, on the other hand, might be viewed as a long-term alternative for the Scotland captain, who turns 30 in March.
