- Burnley bid £13.5m for the Dutchman but Maatsen chose to stay at the Bridge
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Barcelona are interested in highly-rated Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen, according to reports in Spain.
The Dutch Under-21s star has struggled for playing time since returning to Stamford Bridge after a successful loan spell at Burnley last season.
Maatsen was the subject of a £13.5million bid from the newly-promoted side in the summer but rejected a potential move in favour of staying at Chelsea.
The 21-year-old has played just 83 minutes so far after struggling to fit into Mauricio Pochettino‘s plans.
Spanish outlet Sport report that Barcelona are exploring the possibility of signing Maatsen as a possible replacement for another ex-Chelsea player, Marcos Alonso, when his contract expires.
Barcelona are interested in signing Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen, according to reports in Spain
The Dutch defender previously declined a permanent move to Burnley where he was on loan
Xavi’s side will make their final decision on the matter in January and Barcelona have more of an idea of their future requirements. Maatsen is under contract at Chelsea until 2025.
Mail Sport previously reported that Maatsen had rejected two contract extensions from Chelsea before Burnley made their £13.5m bid in the summer.
Chelsea will probably attempt further negotiations to avoid letting a talented academy graduate leave for nothing, while Burnley may also re-enter the picture with another bid.
Maatsen played 39 games for Burnley as they were promoted from the Championship to the Premier League, scoring ten goals.
However, Pochettino has preferred to play Levi Colwill at left-back, leaving Maatsen short of minutes during the first two months of Chelsea’s campaign.
Chelsea sit in 11th place in the Premier League, with only three wins from their eight league games so far. They host Arsenal on Saturday.
