Chelsea have triggered their one-year extension option in the contract of Ian Maatsen, 90min understands, but could still sell the left-back in January.
Maatsen’s initial deal had been due to expire next summer and talks over his long-term future are yet to reach a positive resolution, prompting Chelsea to trigger their extension to prevent the 21-year-old from leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Sources have confirmed to 90min that Maatsen has rejected several offers of a new contract since the summer transfer window, when he rejected a move to Burnley after the Clarets agreed a £31.5m fee with Chelsea.
Maatsen, who has managed just 84 minutes across six Premier League appearances this season, has made it clear he is not currently interested in extending his stay at Stamford Bridge, forcing Chelsea to trigger their option.
Chelsea have, however, made it clear to Maatsen that they will look to sell the Dutch international if he has not agreed a new contract by the January transfer window.
As 90min revealed in September, Manchester City are closely following Maatsen’s future. Pep Guardiola is understood to be a big fan of the 21-year-old and is keen to wrap up a January transfer.
Barcelona are also known to have looked at Maatsen but sources believe the La Liga giants have not taken their interest any further, having been thoroughly impressed by 20-year-old Alejandro Balde. Barca are also prioritising retaining loanee Joao Cancelo, who has made a positive impression since arriving from Man City during the summer.
There are plenty of other suitors for Maatsen from across Europe but the left-back would currently prefer to remain in the Premier League.
Chelsea’s logjam at left-back has seen Maatsen used in a number of different positions this season. Often used as a left winger, the Dutchman’s two Carabao Cup starts have seen him deployed as both a right winger and an attacking midfielder.
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