21-year-old Chelsea player is now having real doubts about signing new contract at Stamford Bridge

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Ian Maatsen is now having real doubts about signing a new contract at Chelsea – despite receiving support from Mauricio Pochettino.

That is according to the Daily Mail’s Transfer Confidential email (sign-up link here).

So, what is the situation involving Ian Maatsen and Chelsea? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well, the 21-year-old enjoyed a superb 2022/23 campaign on loan at Burnley, where he helped Vincent Kompany and the Clarets win promotion to the Premier League.

Maatsen then shone in pre-season for Chelsea, with Pochettino openly praising him in the media.

The Argentine told Football London: “He has capacity to play in different areas and we can use in different positions. His performance did not change, that is what makes us very pleased. We see him with enormous potential for the club.”

According to the Guardian, West Ham have been alerted to the Dutchman’s excellent performances, and are considering a move to sign him.

Now – according to the Daily Mail – Maatsen is unsure about his future at Chelsea.

It is said that the Netherlands Under-21 international has already been offered a new contract by the Blues.

However – due to the interest from West Ham, and also Borussia Dortmund – Maatsen is yet to sign the contract, and is considering his future.

Chelsea cannot be surprised by Ian Maatsen uncertainty

In our view, Chelsea would only have themselves to blame if Maatsen chose to leave.

Young prospects have been overlooked at Chelsea for too long now, with Levi Colwill almost slipping through the net this summer as Brighton pursued his signature – the defender made a number of interesting comments which suggested he didn’t feel supported at Stamford Bridge.

The Athletic add that the England Under-21 international considered his future after Chelsea decided to target Josko Gvardiol.

After all, who can blame him?

Colwill was performing to the level of one of the most exciting centre-backs in England, although Chelsea ended up spending big on Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana rather than give him a chance.

That is just one example, and as Chelsea continue to look at attacking reinforcements in the market – such as Michael Olise – nobody would blame Maatsen for feeling forgotten about, especially as he was left on the bench against West Ham.

Now, it is up to Pochettino to work his magic and change Maatsen’s mind, or Chelsea could lose another top talent like they did with Marc Guehi.