Burnley and Nottingham Forest are looking to sign Ian Maatsen from Premier League giants Chelsea and, according to 1908, the left-back would choose to remain in England over joining Feyenoord.
The Eredivisie outfit know when they’re beaten.
Feyenoord had initially identified the Netherlands U21 international as a replacement for the Manchester United-bound Tyrell Malacia. But with Maatsen hoping to continue his development this side of the Channel following a terrific loan spell at Coventry City, Arne Slot’s side are turning their attention to alternative targets.
Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykola Matviyenko could now arrive instead. Valued at £13 million, the Ukranian will replace Marcos Senesi as Feyenoord’s record signing if he does indeed rock up at De Kuip. The Rotterdammers are also keeping tabs on Sparta Prague’s David Hancko.
Ian Maatsen a target for Nottingham Forest and Burnley
But what next for Maatsen?
Now, we can probably assume that the attack-minded 20-year-old is not part of Thomas Tuchel’s first-team plans at Chelsea. He’s been left out of their pre-season squad after all, despite the doubts surrounding Marcos Alonso’s future and Ben Chilwell’s injury concerns.
A player of his talent and potential is unlikely to be short of admirers, however. 1908, a Dutch-based publication specialising in all things Feyenoord, claim that Nottingham Forest and Burnley are now ‘coveting’ the former PSV Eindhoven starlet.
What’s more, Maatsen would rather stay in the UK. The youngster made a real name for himself in the Championship at the Ricoh Arena.
“It says a lot about how good he is that even a slightly off day stands out as exceptional,” Coventry goalkeeper Simon Moore told The Athletic. “It is not normal. The kid is bright, he’s hugely talented, he wants to learn, and he never gives up.”
Sky Blues boss Mark Robins, meanwhile, admits he’d ‘love’ to re-sign Coventry’s Young Player of the Year.
Nottingham Forest can offer Maatsen the chance to play top-flight football for the first time, however. Then again, Forest have already brought in both Omar Richards and the two-footed Neco Williams. Harry Toffolo should follow from Huddersfield Town.
Maatsen reportedly has admirers at Borussia Dortmund (BILD) too.
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