Manchester City target Ian Maatsen is a “million miles away” from being ready to play for his parent club Chelsea, according to Paul Merson.
The Dutchman caught the eye whilst out on loan at Borussia Dortmund, helping them reach the Champions League final. However, Merson claims there was an element of luck involved that allowed them to get to that stage of the competition:
“Dortmund have done incredibly well to reach the final against all the odds But they were challenged by Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of the semis, with the Ligue 1 giants hitting the woodwork or the post several times.”
“Jadon Sancho and Ian Maatsen – two players who joined the club on loan in January – have been incredible for the Bundesliga giants, but they are a million miles away for Manchester United and Chelsea, respectively.”
Maatsen went on to make a mistake in the final, with his loose pass leading to Vinicius Jr scoring Real’s second goal of the night in the 2-0 defeat.
City have been linked with a move for Maatsen
The Premier League champions have been credited with an interest in the 22-year-old over the past month. It is believed that the Cityzens had scouts in the stands to watch the left-back in action against PSG.
Aston Villa are also said to be keen on Maatsen, with Chelsea having made the player available for transfer.
There is a release clause in the defender’s contract
Maatsen signed a two-year contract extension with Chelsea in January before moving to Dortmund on loan, but it included a buyout fee worth £35m.
While Dortmund are expected to have the first option on the fullback, there are doubts over whether the Bundesliga side have the funds to sign both him and Sancho on permanent deals. City could, therefore, still swoop in and secure his signature.
