Borussia Dortmund wants to sign Ian Maatsen permanently but is reluctant to meet Chelsea’s 35 million pound ($44.7 million) valuation, sources told ESPN.
The 22-year-old joined Dortmund on loan in January and has become a key member of Edin Terzic’s side, playing every minute of last weekend’s seven Champions League knockout matches that ended in a final defeat to Real Madrid at Wembley. .
– ESPN+ streaming: LaLiga, Bundesliga, etc. (USA)
Before the game, Maatsen publicly admitted his future was uncertain, with sources telling ESPN that Dortmund are keen to extend their stay in Germany after the full-back scored three goals in 24 appearances in all competitions.
Chelsea are looking to recoup money through external transfers to comply with the Premier League’s revenue and sustainability rules and are willing to allow a number of fringe players, including Maatsen, Romelu Lukaku and Trevoh Chalobah, to leave the club.
However, sources have told ESPN that Chelsea’s hopes of securing a lucrative deal for Maatsen’s transfer are seen as a snag and Dortmund are believed to be preparing an opening offer well below that figure. One source suggested their initial offer would be between £20m and £25m.
Any deal Chelsea want to make in the 2023-24 financial year must be completed by June 30, with Dortmund hoping the theoretical deadline could help them negotiate a lower transfer fee.
