Aston Villa set to sign Ian Maatsen for over £35 million | OneFootball

Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign left-back Ian Maatsen from Chelsea, according to The Athletic.

Villa are preparing for a return to the Champions League and are keen on bolstering their squad for the challenge.

They have turned to Maatsen, who had a successful loan spell at Borussia Dortmund during the second half of last season.

He recorded two goals and two assists in 16 Bundesliga appearances and helped Dortmund keep six clean sheets.

Maatsen was also a mainstay as they reached the Champions League final, although he made a costly error against Real Madrid.

The Dutchman had a £35 million release clause specifically applicable to Dortmund, which has expired.

Villa and Chelsea have now agreed on a transfer fee slightly exceeding that amount, with personal terms already in place for a six-year contract. Finalising the contract details is the only remaining hurdle.

Manager Unai Emery is a big admirer of Maatsen’s ability and reportedly pushed the club to get the deal over the line.

His arrival strengthens their defensive options and injects a little experience as they prepare for the challenges of European football.

Chelsea’s decision to sell Maatsen will leave a bitter taste in the mouth of fans who want to see their homegrown stars represent the club.

The club have put several Cobham Academy graduates up for sale to balance the books for the ludicrous spending on unproven talents.

From a squad-building point of view, it makes no sense to sell the player. Ben Chilwell’s injury woes are well documented, and Marc Cucurella hasn’t plugged the gap despite the Blues shelling out £57 million for his signature.

Letting go of a talented academy graduate to retain two less reliable options seems like a needless gamble.