Way before Chelsea fullback Ian Maatsen became instrumental to Borussia Dortmund’s deep run in the Champions League this season, the German outfit were already doing their utmost to pay a couple of millions less than the agreed £35m release clause for him. Unfortunately for them (and fortunately for us!), there is another club who’s clearly willing to meet our demands.

According to the Athletic and several other sources, Villa have agreed to a deal with Chelsea for the transfer of left-back Ian Maatsen. The clubs settled on a fee slightly above the £35m release clause that had expired. The 22-year-old will reportedly join Villa on a six-year contract, with personal terms already in place.

Villa manager Unai Emery is a keen admirer of Maatsen and aims to secure his services as the team prepares for their first Champions League campaign next season. Maatsen’s contract at Chelsea was initially set to end in June 2025, but it was extended by 12 months in January. Following this extension, Chelsea loaned Maatsen to Dortmund, where he quickly became integral to their Champions League run.

Despite limited appearances for Chelsea in the first half of last season, Maatsen flourished at Dortmund, starting all seven play-off games in the Champions League and 15 of their 18 Bundesliga matches in the second half of the season. He is currently with the Netherlands at the European Championship.

This transfer could very well be linked to Chelsea’s interest in Aston Villa striker Jhon Durán, suggesting further dealings between the clubs in the future. Still Maatsen is a massive talent that the Blues might sorely miss in the seasons to come.