Chelsea could be forced into selling Cobham graduate Ian Maatsen as there has been no progress in contract negotiations, according to reports.
The Blues accepted a £31.5million bid for the Dutch international late in the summer transfer window but Maatsen opted to reject Burnley to stay at Stamford Bridge.
He has found limited game time this season but impressed both in pre-season and when handed an opportunity in the Carabao Cup, most recently against Brighton.
The report states that the Blues had made two contract offers to Maatsen before accepting Burnley’s bid in the summer, but an extension hasn’t been signed.
Chelsea could be forced into selling Cobham graduate Ian Maatsen in the January window
The Blues accepted a bid for the Dutch international late in the summer transfer window but Maatsen opted to reject Burnley
Maatsen (left) has made six appearances for Chelsea this season, with four from the bench
Maatesen’s deal is set to expire at the end of the season and Chelsea will risk losing him on a free transfer if he doesn’t sign a contract by the end of the campaign.
With Malo Gusto suspended and Reece James currently injured, Maatsen could be called upon by Mauricio Pochettino, although Marc Cucurella played at right-back on Wednesday.
Ben Chilwell is also set for a scan on his hamstring and could be sidelined, opening up opportunities for Maatsen in his more natural left-back role.
The 21-year-old has been used further forward by Pochettino, who has handed him just two starts so far this season alongside four substitute appearances.
It remains to be seen as to what the future holds for Maatsen, but Chelsea will most likely be unwilling to run the risk of seeing a talented academy graduate leave for nothing next year.
Burnley, where he spent last season on loan, could look to return for the wing-back in the January window, while there has been Premier League interest in Maatsen.
