Ian Maatsen has reportedly agreed to extend his contract at Chelsea ahead of a loan switch to Borussia Dortmund.
During the summer, Maatsen rejected opportunities to depart Stamford Bridge in an attempt to establish himself as a first-team player under Mauricio Pochettino.
However, the Netherlands Under-21 international has been kept on the periphery of the senior squad, making just three starts and 12 substitute outings in all competitions.
As a result, it has been reported for a number of weeks that Chelsea are prepared to part ways with Maatsen during the January transfer window as they bid to boost their position with FFP.
While there has been alleged interest from a number of clubs, Dortmund have been heavily linked with the 21-year-old since the turn of the year.
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The Bundesliga giants are in the market for a new left-back, yet the suggestion has been that they are not in a position to pay the asking price of Maatsen, believed to be in excess of £25m.
Nevertheless, with all parties keen to finalise a deal, it appears that compromises have been reached on all sides to ensure that a move goes through.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Maatsen has agreed to extend his contract at Chelsea by a further two years, taking him to 2027.
Chelsea had previously activated a 12-month option soon after the start of 2023-24 to strengthen their position, and they are now not at risk of losing Maatsen for a cut-price fee.
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That said, a release clause - which has not been revealed - has reportedly been inserted into his new contract, with Dortmund paying a loan fee to sign Maatsen for the remainder of the season.
Providing that Maatsen comes through a medical on Tuesday evening or Wednesday, all details are expected to be confirmed by Chelsea.
As it stands, it is unclear whether Chelsea will react to the likely exit of Maatsen by signing a direct replacement, or using the extra financial leeway to made an addition in another position.
Pochettino insisted as recently as Monday that Chelsea do not have to make sales in order for acquisitions to be made this month.
Darren Plant
