Barcelona are targeting a deal to sign Ian Maatsen from Chelsea on a free transfer as the full-back approaches the end of his contract.
Maatsen is out of contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and has so far failed to agree terms on a new deal in west London.
The 21-year-old returned to Chelsea during the summer from an excellent loan spell at Burnley, in which the defender was named in the EFL Championship Team of the Season as the Clarets were promoted to the Premier League.
Maatsen turned down a permanent move to Burnley in the closing stages of the transfer window after a £32m fee was agreed between the clubs, with the Dutchman – who received a first senior call up to the Netherlands squad last month – now considering his options.
Spanish publication Sport are reporting that Barcelona are among the clubs keeping tabs on his situation, with the Catalans having regularly targeted free agents in recent windows as the club combat financial issues.
Maatsen’s age, availability and ability to cover multiple positions makes him an ideal option for Barcelona, who are also tracking Boca Juniors left-back Valentin Barco.
