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Burnley bid £31.5m for Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen

Chelsea have agreed a deal to sell left-back Ian Maatsen to Burnley for £31.5 million, according to the Telegraph.

The 21-year-old could rejoin the Clarets on loan with an obligation to buy after spending last season on loan with them in the Championship. 

Maatsen featured 39 times for Burnley as they climbed to the top flight, helping them keep 11 clean sheets.

He was a mainstay in the first team, bagging four goals and six assists for Vincent Kompany’s side.

Maatsen returned to Chelsea this summer and impressed in pre-season outings, albeit in a more attacking position rather than his natural left-back spot.

However, the Vlaardingen-born defender has struggled for first-team opportunities since the season began, only making substitute Premier League appearances for the Blues. 

He has only received paltry minutes against Liverpool and Luton Town, although he started their League Cup tie against AFC Wimbledon.

Chelsea planned to sell left-back Marc Cucurella this summer after his poor debut season but have struggled to find suitors for the Spaniard.

Newcastle United showed interest but ended up signing Chelsea youngster Lewis Hall.

Manchester United then moved for Cucurella as they experienced a left-back crisis, but the deal became complicated, especially after Chelsea cup-tied him in the League Cup.

Chelsea have now decided to leave the transfer in Maatsen’s hands. They have allowed him to speak to Burnley and will wait to see whether he accepts the move.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino will also have to give his blessings for the move to go through.

Burnley have signed 14 players this summer and could make Maatsen their 15th. Another deal they might make before the close of the window is for Genk’s Belgian attacking midfielder Mike Tresor. 

Kompany knows all about Tresor’s quality from his time in the Belgian Pro League and is keen on bringing him to Turf Moor. 

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