West Ham now want to buy ‘talented’ 21-year-old Chelsea gem, he’s impressed Pochettino in pre-season

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West Ham are now keen to sign Ian Maatsen from Chelsea – a player who has caught Mauricio Pochettino’s eye this summer.

That is according to the Guardian.

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

What’s the story?

Well, the 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Burnley, where he scored four goals and provided six assists in 39 Championship appearances as the Clarets won promotion to the Premier League.

Maatsen’s efforts have earned him a chance to impress Pochettino in pre-season at Chelsea, and according to the Guardian, the Dutchman has made a strong impression on the Argentine.

Now, however, West Ham plan to sign the Netherlands Under-21 international, who was described as “hugely talented” by Simon Moore while on loan at Coventry City.

It is said that the east Londoners are in talks to sell Aaron Cresswell to Wolves, and hope to sign Maatsen on a permanent basis as a replacement for the Englishman.

The Guardian add that Burnley are also keen to re-sign the left-back, who scored twice in the 5-0 win over Wrexham while playing as a winger.

Furthermore, it is said that Chelsea are yet to make a decision on Maatsen’s future, although a loan deal could be possible due to the fact Pochettino already has Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella and Lewis Hall to play down the left flank.

Chelsea should keep Ian Maatsen

In our view – if his display against Wrexham was anything to go by – Maatsen can be a useful option for Pochettino in the 2023/24 campaign.

The Vlaardingen-born prospect boasts impressive versatility, which means Pochettino can use him as a left-back, as a winger, or even in the centre of defence if need be. Vincent Kompany deployed him centrally on one occasion last season at Burnley.

Chilwell is fairly injury prone and Cucurella is yet to prove himself, so it would make sense for Chelsea to keep Maatsen around next term as the Blues aim to improve on last season’s dreadful finish of 12th in the Premier League.