Chelsea ‘activate clause to extend Ian Maatsen’s contract until 2025’ amid reported interest from Barcelona

Chelsea have reportedly thwarted Barcelona‘s plans to snap up young left-back Ian Maatsen on a free transfer by activating an extension to his contract. 

The Dutch defender caught the eye on loan at Burnley last season as they romped to an immediate return to the top-flight under Vincent Kompany. 

The Clarets were keen to see the youngster return to Turf Moor this season and had a deadline day loan offer with an obligation to buy worth £31.5million accepted by the Blues. 

But Maatsen rejected the proposal in the hope he could force his way into the first team plans of new boss Mauricio Pochettino. Unfortunately, with zero starts and six substitute appearances in the league, the youngster’s long-term future at the club is uncertain.

According to The Standard, he has rejected two contract offers. Reports in Spain claim this has put Barcelona on high alert and hopeful of negotiating a deal with Chelsea for his services in January ahead of a summer where he would have been a free agent. 

Reports in Spain indicate that the Barcelona were set to swoop for the talented defender

Levi Colwill (right) has had the confidence of new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino (middle) in the absence of regular left-back Ben Chilwell

However, the London club have responded by activating a contract extension in the fullbacks deal, scuppering the plans of the LaLiga champions. 

Despite the raft of injuries to his squad, Pochettino has favoured Levi Colwill in the left-back position, while Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella also provide fierce competition when all are fit. 

Maatsen enjoyed a good pre-season which fueled hope he could force his way into the starting line-up but his only starts so far have come in League Cup wins against Wimbledon and Brighton. 

Chelsea welcome Arsenal on the Premier League’s return this weekend following the…