At Stamford Bridge, a £20 million star may now be “more open” to a permanent move.

Following an impressive preseason, Chelsea run the risk of a £20 million star looking for a permanent move away from west London.

Because of a crucial factor, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino may find it difficult to convince Ian Maatsen to sign for another loan team other than Chelsea, according to journalist Ben Jacobs for GIVEMESPORT.

Pochettino, who was hired in May as the Blues’ new head coach, is in the process of retooling the team he inherited in preparation for the start of the 2023–24 season.

Ian Maatsen transfer news for Chelsea.

Maatsen has reportedly been added to a list of targets put together by Hammers technical director Tim Steidten, and West Ham United may try to test Chelsea’s resolve over him, according to The Guardian.

According to the report, Pochettino has not made up his mind about the 21-year-old’s future at Stamford Bridge, but the Hammers are showing interest as Aaron Cresswell is in talks to join Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Maatsen played a significant role in Burnley’s Championship-winning season last year while on loan with them, contributing 10 goals in 42 games. Burnley won the title.

The Clarets want to sign the Dutchman on a permanent basis as a result of his performance, but Chelsea are asking for more than £20 million.

Additionally, Nottingham Forest has entered the fray for Maatsen’s services, and the City Ground-based team is considering making a £15 million offer.

Given that the former PSV Eindhoven youngster is entering the final year of his £11,000 per week contract at Stamford Bridge, it is unclear where his long-term future will lie.

After opening Chelsea’s preseason tour of the United States with two goals in a 5-0 win over Wrexham, Maatsen has given Pochettino some food for thought.

For the west Londoners, the left-back has only played in one competitive game, which was a victory over Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup in 2019.

What was Ben Jacobs’ comments regarding Maatsen?

Despite having a promising preseason, Jacobs thinks Maatsen will struggle to earn regular playing time in Chelsea’s first team.

The journalist believes that if it becomes clear that he will not be able to enter Pochettino’s plans, the Netherlands under-21 international might be more interested in securing his permanent departure from west London than in going out on another loan.

Jacobs said to GIVEMESPORT: “I think Maatsen is in an interesting position because it’s difficult to predict the amount of game time that he’s going to get, but he did impress in the opening preseason victory over Wrexham.

He scored two goals while being allowed to attack freely. We now need to know if Chelsea intends to integrate him or, alternatively, loan him out.

However, once you’ve completed one loan, players like Maatsen will be more receptive to a permanent move if they realize they won’t be included in the first team plans. “.

What will Chelsea do next?

The reputable journalist Florian Plettenberg claims that Conor Gallagher may also be headed to the London Stadium in addition to Chelsea player Michael Maatsen who has been linked with a move to West Ham.

The 45-appearance 2022–23 English international, according to the Sky Sports Germany reporter, has expressed interest in joining the Hammers after productive negotiations.

However, Chelsea has put a £40 million price tag on Gallagher in an effort to ward off interest from Tottenham Hotspur and the Europa Conference League champions from the previous season.

Borussia Dortmund, a powerhouse in the Bundesliga, has inquired about the central midfielder’s availability in addition to Premier League clubs.