Chelsea wide player Ian Maatsen is reportedly open to signing for Manchester City during one of the next two transfer windows.
Having spent a number of spells out on loan at EFL clubs, Maatsen was retained by Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino for the first half of 2023-24.
That was reward for the Netherlands Under-21 international starring during Burnley's Championship title-winning campaign and impressing during the pre-season tour of the USA.
However, Maatsen's game time has been heavily restricted, with his only two starts of the season coming in the EFL Cup against AFC Wimbledon and Brighton & Hove Albion.
A further seven outings have come from the substitutes' bench in the Premier League, yet he has featured for a combined total of just 107 minutes.
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Reports have indicated that the 21-year-old's long-term future is now up in the air, and it is becoming increasingly unlikely that Maatsen would want to extend his stay at Chelsea past 2025.
While the West Londoners are said to be keen to extend his terms, Maatsen recently opened the door to a departure from Stamford Bridge, aware that he requires regular football to remain in the hunt for a place in the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024.
If Maatsen came onto the market, he would not be short of offers, particularly from Premier League teams who were interested during the summer.
According to Football Insider, Maatsen would jump at the chance of linking up with Man City, one of the clubs who are allegedly monitoring the situation.
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City's initial interest appeared to stem from Maatsen's contract being due to expire in 2024 before Chelsea activated a 12-month option in the deal.
Nevertheless, should the top-flight champions part ways with out-of-favour Sergio Gomez, Maatsen may be regarded as an upgrade and suitable replacement.
The report reiterates that Maatsen is eager to secure regular game time, something which would not be easy at the Etihad Stadium with the players that are already competing for left-back and left-wing berths.
Maatsen will hope to feature in the Chelsea squad when they square off against Newcastle United at St James' Park on Saturday afternoon.
Darren Plant
