Dortmund set to lose out to Aston Villa on deal to sign Ian Maatsen from Chelsea
German side Dortmund FC is set to lose out on a deal to sign Ian Maatsen from Chelsea as Aston Villa are expected to complete agreement on personal terms for the player.
ESPN has learned that while Dortmund was eager to sign Maatsen permanently, they were unwilling to pay Chelsea’s £35 million ($44.7 million) asking price.
The 22-year-old, who initially joined Dortmund on loan in January, quickly established himself as a vital component of Edin Terzic’s squad, appearing in all seven of their Champions League knockout games, which ended with their decisive loss to Real Madrid.
Aston Villa is said to have gazumped Dortmund in the race to sign Maatsen according to a report by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano with personal terms said to have been agreed.
‘‘Aston Villa are expected to complete agreement on personal terms for Ian Maatsen by the end of the week.
‘‘Negotiations underway over 6-year deal, all progressing well after £37.5m fee agreed with Chelsea.’’ Romano wrote on his X handle.
Reports say Chelsea is prepared to let go of some periphery players, such as Maatsen, Romelu Lukaku, and Trevoh Chalobah, to recover funds through outgoing transfers and remain under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
