Nottingham Forest have expressed an interest in signing Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen in recent weeks. The Reds are increasing their efforts to land a left-back prior to the 2023/24 campaign getting underway.
According to The Athletic, the Reds are firmly in the mix for the youngster. He does have other options though, with West Ham, Benfica and Wolfsburg all keen on the player who is valued at £20 million.
Although Maatsen is only 21, he’s now at the age where he’s comfortable commanding first-team football. Chelsea aren’t short of left-backs, with Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella and Lewis Hall currently vying for the spot.
Maatsen went out on loan last season, romping to a Championship title with Burnley. He made 42 appearances for the Clarets, scoring four goals and registering eight assists.
That’s not the first time he’s headed out on loan either. Maatsen has also spent time with Charlton and Coventry in the EFL, cutting his teeth as a professional and showcasing his class at both clubs.
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During his time with the Sky Blues, he was praised by goalkeeper Simon Moore. He called him ‘exceptional’ and ‘hugely talented’ following a string of fine performances for the club.
Forest express interest in signing Chelsea player Maatsen
This looks like a decent link from a Forest perspective. They desperately need a left-back and in Maatsen, they’d be signing a player with huge potential.
Forest have lost out on Renan Lodi. He signed for Marseille to play Champions League football, leaving the Reds with Harry Toffolo and Omar Richards as their two options.
Toffolo could be about to face a ban in the coming months; whilst Richards hasn’t kicked a ball for way over a year after a number of injury issues.
Maatsen would arrive with the desire to prove himself in the Premier League and furthermore, he could have a point to prove that Chelsea were wrong to let him leave.
Rumour rating: 9/10 – We like this one a lot! Nothing against Toffolo or Richards but we feel this would offer Forest an upgrade on both.
The Reds will surely want to sign a left-back and if they get Maatsen, they could be sorted in that position for many years.