Graeme Bailey of HITC Football says Bayern Munich have identified Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen as a replacement for Alphonso Davies.
The 23-year-old looks set to leave Bayern when his contract expires in 2025, forcing his club to cash in early. Bayern risk losing Davies on a free transfer next year, so he’s expected to be sold this summer.
Real Madrid are leading the race for the Canadian international’s signature, leaving a void for Bayern to fill. Fulham defender Antonee Robinson is reportedly on their radar, but Maatsen may top their transfer wishlist.
Maatsen unlikely to stay at Chelsea
Maatsen signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at Chelsea in January, but his long-term future is uncertain. The 22-year-old was loaned out to Borussia Dortmund after falling behind Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella in the pecking order. Maatsen’s situation doesn’t look like changing when he returns to Chelsea, so he might seek first-team opportunities elsewhere.
Maatsen joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in 2015 and has made 16 appearances in all competitions. The Dutchman was loaned out to Charlton (2020/21), Coventry (2021/22) and Burnley (2022/23) but has been used sparingly by Chelsea.
Maatsen has made 13 appearances in two months in Germany, amassing considerably more minutes than at Stamford Bridge. That might sway his decision if offers are put on his table over the summer.
Where will Maatsen likely end up?
Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel that Dortmund are interested in signing Maatsen permanently. The Netherlands U21 international has impressed at Signal Iduna Park, so Dortmund are considering a move this summer.
Bayern want to hijack any deal, however, and have a £35m release clause to trigger. It’s hard to see Maatsen turning down a move to the Allianz Arena, so their pursuit could be successful.
Chelsea are trying to build a young squad for the future but might be happy to cash in on an unwanted player.
