Aston Villa agree deal with Chelsea to sign Maatsen

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Aston Villa have agreed on a fee with Chelsea to sign Dutch defender Ian Maatsen.

The 22-year-old will cost between £35 million and £40 million, depending on potential add-ons, with the move subject to a medical. The left-back is expected to sign a six-year deal at Villa Park.

Maatsen chose Villa due to the promise of Champions League football next season, having reached the competition’s final while on loan at Borussia Dortmund during the latter half of last season.

Chelsea had considered including Villa striker Jhon Duran in a swap deal but decided to sell Maatsen independently.

Dortmund attempted to sign Maatsen earlier this month following his successful loan spell but were unwilling to meet the full £35 million asking price.

Maatsen signed a 12-month contract extension in January, which included a release clause likely to trigger his departure this summer.

Currently with the Netherlands national team in Germany for Euro 2024, where they face France on Friday in Leipzig, Maatsen has yet to finalize his contract or complete a medical in the Midlands.

Chelsea signed Maatsen from PSV Eindhoven in 2019, and he excelled during loans at Charlton, Coventry, Burnley, and Dortmund but struggled to secure a spot under Mauricio Pochettino last season.

He departs Stamford Bridge having played 16 games for the club.