Mauricio Pochettino confirms Chelsea transfer talks as January move nears

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has given an update on Ian Maatsen's future. The full-back has struggled for first team opportunities, despite starring for the Blues in pre-season.

The Netherlands U21 international was used as an unorthodox right winger during the summer, following his stellar loan spell with Burnley, and looked to be part of Pochettino’s plans. Chelsea did accept a late bid from the Clarets in the previous transfer window but Maatsen chose to fight for his place.

He quickly found himself falling down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, though, with Levi Colwill favoured at left-back, even after injuries to Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella. It means that Maatsen has been limited to just 201 minutes in the Premier League and will be hoping to earn regular game time at Borussia Dortmund, with Pochettino confirming that the defender could soon be on the move.

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“Well I think it’s obvious that of course he’s not here because he’s in negotiations with [Dortmund],” the Chelsea boss said, after his side’s defeat to Middlesbrough in their Carabao Cup tie. “When something happens, the club will inform.”

It has been reported that the 21-year-old will sign a two-year contract extension before heading out on loan, which could keep him at the club until 2027. However, Chelsea may have to make another transfer decision before sanctioning Maatsen’s move to Germany.

Under FIFA regulations, the Blues need to recall one of their loanees as clubs are restricted to sending seven players out on international loans. Their current quota