West Ham United are reportedly aiming to sign Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen this summer with Aaron Cresswell inching closer to an exit.
The Hammers are yet to sign a new first-team star ahead of the start of the 2023-24 campaign. However, with Declan Rice's £100 million departure confirmed, they are hoping to dip into the transfer market to strengthen their squad in the ongoing summer window soon.
According to The Athletic, West Ham have earmarked Maatsen as one of their top choices to replace Cresswell in David Moyes' plans next season. They have been told about the player's £20 million price tag.
However, the 2022-23 UEFA Europa Conference League winners are expected to face a handful of competition in their pursuit of the Dutchman. Burnley, Nottingham Forest, Benfica and VfL Wolfsburg are reportedly interested in snapping up the left-back this summer.
Maatsen, 21, has been one of the best up-and-coming wing-backs at Chelsea over the past three season. Since making his debut for his team in an EFL Cup 7-1 win over Grimsby Town in 2019, he has grown by leaps and bounds due to three back-to-back loan spells.
A 13-cap Netherlands U21 international, Maatsen earned major recognition during his fruitful season-long temporary stint at Burnley past term. He helped them lift the EFL Championship trophy, registering four goals and six assists in 42 appearances across competitions.
Maatsen, who is in the final year of his deal at Stamford Bridge, opened the Blues' USA pre-season tour with a bang. He bagged a first half brace in their 5-0 friendly win over Wrexham on Wednesday (July 19).
Should Maatsen opt to stay back with Mauricio Pochettino's side this summer, he could provide competition to Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella. But,
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