Chelsea have found buyer for fan favourite, as Blues begin big clearout: report

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino looks on prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea FC at Old Trafford on December 06, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Chelsea have found a club willing to buy one of their players, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano suggesting a move could be very straightforward.

The Blues didn't improve their squad in January with financial considerations taken into account – and may have to make big sales this summer if they are going to spend big. The passing of a so-called Chelsea law in the Premier League prevents the west Londoners from dishing out more eight-year contracts, too.

Luckily, the Cobham academy is a conveyor belt for talent that has helped shift players for pure profit over the years – and it may just help once more.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly pictured after the Blues' Champions League clash against Real Madrid in April 2022.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly may have to sell big to spend big this summer (Image credit: Getty Images)

“Let me start by mentioning a player who could really leave Chelsea in the summer transfer window – he already left on loan in January and is doing very well – Ian Maatsen,” Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel

“At Borussia Dortmund, [in] his first five games [he’s had] a fantastic impact, doing very, very well. The fans are super happy, the manager, [Edin] Terzic, is very happy… he provided two assists already, but the quality of the performances are very, very good. 

“It’s a loan deal [with] no buy option included, but when Maatsen signed a new contract at Chelsea, before joining Borussia Dortmund, there was a release clause [added] and it’s going to be valid this summer.”

Ian Maatsen in action against AFC Wimbledon

Ian Maatsen looks ready to leave Chelsea (Image credit: Getty Images)

Romano went on to explain that he believes that Dortmund are going to make an offer for the young Dutchman over the summer.

Maatsen is worth €20m, according to Transfermarkt

More Chelsea stories

Mauricio Pochettino says he has grown tired of having to 'explain' Chelsea's poor season.

Meanwhile, Declan Rice allegedly wanted to join Chelsea before his big move to Arsenal last year.

And the Blues are reportedly set out to miss on a wonderkid who wants to join a 'big club'.

Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.