A Chelsea reporter has broken news that will delight West Ham in the pursuit of key summer target Ian Maatsen.
Chelsea are spoilt for choice when it comes to left-backs and that has not gone unnoticed by West Ham boss David Moyes and technical director Tim Steidten.
Even after letting Lewis Hall join Newcastle, Chelsea have £140m worth of left-backs in a squad which does not have European football this season.
West Ham do of course. And with Aaron Cresswell’s future uncertain, the Hammers have been heavily linked with young Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen all summer transfer window.
Chelsea reporter breaks news that will delight West Ham in pursuit of key summer target Ian Maatsen
We reported this morning on Hammers News that West Ham have been handed a massive boost by the collapse of Marc Cucurella’s loan move to Man United.
Had the Spaniard joined the Red Devils, Maatsen would likely have remained at Chelsea as back-up to Ben Chilwell.
But as we reported Cucurella remaining at Stamford Bridge could see West Ham try a deadline day move for Maatsen, who – it has been previously reported – wants more game time and is open to a move to the London Stadium.
In an update earlier we reported Maatsen was one of three targets West Ham were working on ahead of Friday night’s 11pm shutoff.
Now a Chelsea reporter has broken news that will delight West Ham in the pursuit of key summer target Maatsen.
Football.London’s Chelsea reporter Bobby Vincent claims Chelsea are now open to letting Maatsen leave today and are “braced for bids” with the likes of West Ham – and Burnley – interested.
Vincent says the Blues are open to both loan and permanent deals.
“Chelsea now open to letting Ian Maatsen leave today,” Vincent reported just before 2pm following Mauricio Pochettino’s press conference.
“Club were happy to keep him when it looked like Marc Cucurella was off. Premier League interest in Maatsen. Loan or permanent possible today.”
The news comes after well connected journalist Jacob Steinberg previously claimed West Ham were confident of getting a deal done with Chelsea for Maatsen before the end of the window.
And earlier this week reporter Alan Nixon claimed the Hammers are very much still hoping to try and sign the 21-year-old before the window closes.
We’ll find out soon enough.