Chelsea make Ian Maatsen decision as Borussia Dortmund join transfer race

Chelsea are prepared to part ways with left-back Ian Maatsen in the January transfer window, 90min understands.

The 21-year-old rejected a move to Burnley, where he spent last season on loan, during the summer despite Chelsea accepting a loan bid which included a £31.5m obligation to make the deal permanent in 2024.

Since then, however, Maatsen has managed ten Premier League appearances for a total of just 130 minutes, having struggled to force his way into Mauricio Pochettino's starting lineup despite injuries to both Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella.

Chelsea triggered their 12-month extension clause in Maatsen's contract to tie his down until 2025 but attempts to agree fresh terms with the Dutchman have failed and now sources have confirmed to 90min that the Blues are once again ready to sell Maatsen in the January window.

There has been plenty of interest in a loan deal but Chelsea have made it clear that they want a permanent sale.

In terms of suitors, 90min previously named Manchester City as an interested party, while West Ham United have also expressed an interest in Maatsen.

There is also interest in Maatsen across mainland Europe, with Borussia Dortmund the latest side to voice their interest in getting a deal done. Serie A duo Napoli and Roma are both tracking the situation closely.

Part of Maatsen's struggle for minutes has been Pochettino's preference to use Levi Colwill, a natural centre-back, out on the left side of his defence this season.

"I'm still learning a new position, so each game I'm taking things away which I'm very happy with," Colwill reflected to Chelsea TV. "It'll help me in the future. I've just got to keep trying to help the team."

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