Ian Maatsen Set for Aston Villa Move in £35-40m Deal

Ian Maatsen and Aston Villa have reached an agreement on a fee for the transfer from Chelsea. The 22-year-old will cost between £35m and £40m, with potential add-ons factored in. The move is pending a medical, after which Maatsen is expected to sign a six-year contract at Villa Park. Maatsen chose Villa over other options due to the prospect of Champions League football next season, influenced by his experience reaching the final with Borussia Dortmund while on loan last season. Chelsea initially explored a swap deal involving Villa striker Jhon Duran but ultimately decided to sell Maatsen separately.

Earlier this month, Dortmund tried to secure Ian Maatsen permanently after a successful loan spell but baulked at meeting the full £35m asking price. Despite signing a 12-month contract extension in January, Maatsen had a release clause that indicated his likely departure this summer.  Currently with the Netherlands national team at Euro 2024 in Germany where they face France on Friday in Leipzig, Maatsen has yet to finalize his contract or undergo a medical with Villa.

Chelsea signed Maatsen from PSV Eindhoven in 2019 and despite impressive loan spells at Charlton, Coventry, Burnley and Dortmund, he struggled to establish himself under Mauricio Pochettino last season. He leaves Stamford Bridge after making 16 appearances for the club.