Bundesliga escape route? Chelsea in talks with Borussia Dortmund over potential Ian Maatsen exit

Despite a loan bid from Burnley in the summer, which included a £31.5m obligation to make the deal permanent in 2024, Maatsen rejected the move as he vowed to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge. However, he struggled to secure a spot in Mauricio Pochettino's starting lineup, making only ten Premier League appearances for a total of 130 minutes which has forced the Blues to put him on the market once again.

According to VI, Dortmund have expressed interest in Maatsen, and negotiations for a potential deal are progressing positively. Moreover, another Dutch outlet, 1908.nl, reports that Maatsen is also close to agreeing on personal terms with the Bundesliga side. Given Dortmund's financial situation, the transfer may initially be a loan until the end of the season, with an option to make it permanent.

Chelsea triggered a 12-month extension clause in Maatsen's contract, binding him until 2025. However, attempts to reach new terms have failed, prompting Chelsea to consider selling him in January.

Despite injuries to both Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella, Maatsen has failed to nail down a starting berth. Moreover, Pochettino's preference to use Levi Colwill, a natural centre-back, on the left side of the defence has further hampered his progress. After he was handed a start against Crystal Palace, Maatsen would hope for another opportunity when Chelsea visit Luton Town on Saturday.