Barcelona linked with a move for 21-year-old Chelsea star

Barcelona are looking to make a summer move for Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen

According to Spanish publication Sport, Barcelona are weighing up a move for Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen in the next summer window as they look to replace Marcos Alonso if he doesn’t extend his contract with the club. Maatsen will become a free agent next summer, which could help Barcelona make a free move for the Dutch player.

Meanwhile, the Blues are pushing for Maatsen to sign a new long-term deal, and if he fails to extend his contract, the Blues will put the left-back for sale inn the transfer window in January.

The Catalan giants have Alejandro Balde as their undisputed starter in the left-back position, but they are hoping to add more depth in the area and targeted Maatsen who will become a free agent next summer.

However, the Spanish club are open to renewing Alonso’s contract as long as he accepts lower wages, which remains to be seen. On the contrary, Maatsen rejected the move to Burnley in the last summer window, despite Chelsea accepting Clarets’ offer.

The 21-year-old’s future remains in doubt at Chelsea, and the Blues certainly don’t want to lose him for free. Maatsen is being played as an attacker by Mauricio Pochettino but he can play in a much deeper role.

In the meantime, if Chelsea decides to sell him, Barcelona’s financial difficulties make it unclear whether they will pay his asking price, which is why they are preparing for a summer transfer.

Chelsea do not want to give the player away for free since it would be a loss for them. In the past, they have given away players like Alonso and Andreas Christensen to the Spanish giants, so we do not want to repeat that oversight. In January, we must either renew his contract or sell him.

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We won’t lose him for nothing by making the right choice. We can decide on his future when he reveals if he is extending his contract, largely relying on Pochettino’s choice.