October 19th 2023.
Mauricio Pochettino has been unable to guarantee Ian Maatsen first team opportunities this season, despite the serious injury suffered by Ben Chilwell. The Netherlands Under-21 international wanted to stay and fight for his place, but his only starts this season have come in the Carabao Cup.
Chelsea have triggered a clause in Ian Maatsen's contract and extended his deal by 12 months amid reported interest from Barcelona. According to The Evening Standard, the highly-rated left-back rejected two new contract offers from Chelsea, and even turned down a £31.5million offer from Burnley, where he spent last season on loan.
Barcelona have been monitoring Maatsen's situation and would have been able to open negotiations over a free transfer in January had Chelsea not taken the option to extend Maatsen's deal until 2025.
Mauricio Pochettino is now sweating on the fitness of several key players ahead of Saturday's London derby against Arsenal. Reece James is struggling to be fit enough to make his return, and Chelsea have confirmed that both Trevoh Chalobah and midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka have suffered setbacks. Armando Broja is also carrying a knock and will start on the bench at best. Nicolas Jackson is likely to start in attack, albeit wearing a protective cast on his wrist following a small operation.
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