West Ham eye Chelsea left-back to replace senior star in the summer transfer window

West Ham United want to replace Aaron Cresswell with Chelsea star Ian Maatsen

According to the Daily Mail, West Ham United are interested in signing Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen as a long-term replacement for Aaron Cresswell in the ongoing 2023 summer transfer window.

Maatsen has been included in Mauricio Pochettino’s plan for next season. The manager has personally blocked any efforts to send the youngster out on loan this summer and is keen to have a proper look at his abilities

The youngster enjoyed an excellent loan spell at Burnley and featured in 42 games across all competitions registering four goals and six assists. He could be among the players who will have a big role to play next season as Chelsea attempt to rebuild.

The 21-year-old’s breakthrough performances for Burnley saw him inducted into the Championship team of the season, as Vincent Kompany’s side were promoted to the Premier League. The Clarets are keen to sign the Dutchman on a permanent deal, with Nottingham Forest also interested. The Hammers have now been added to the list.

However, the decision will entirely depend on Pochettino, as he will assess the player’s performance in pre-season games in the USA. The 21-year-old was impressive against Wrexham as he netted two goals and made an assist. Surely this makes it harder for Chelsea to want to be rid of him.

Maatsen was in the starting line-up in their 5-0 win over Wrexham and showed what he is capable of. If he continues in the same vein of form, the youngster could be entrusted with a bigger role to playing the upcoming campaign.

The choice of whether to keep the young player for the upcoming season or loan him out for further development rests totally on how we want to help the player improve. As we enter a new era, the upcoming season will be one of the most significant ones. The club will undoubtedly require experienced players to assist the youth. At 21, Maatsen could certainly do with a mentor who can teach him the ways.

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At 21, Maatsen is young enough to develop into a top-class player who can be an asset to us for years to come. It makes little sense for us to sell him prematurely.