New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca faces a tough start to life in London as his side begin the 2024/25 Premier League campaign against reigning champions Manchester City.
The Citizens will travel to Stamford Bridge on August 18, looking to begin another successful defence of their title.
The Blues, meanwhile, will start the season with another new head coach in charge, following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino at the end of last term.
Now, it appears that one of Chelsea’s players is edging closer to a move away from Stamford Bridge.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa are closing in on a move for Chelsea full-back Ian Maatsen.
The 22-year-old is a product of Chelsea’s youth academy but, having played a bit-part role for the club during the first half of last season, he was then sent to German club Borussia Dortmund on loan.
Maatsen impressed during his loan spell, helping Dortmund reach the Champions League at Wembley.
Romano claims that Villa have agreed a £37.5 million deal for the Dutchman, who is currently on international duty with the Netherlands at Euro 2024.
The Villans are now in the process of discussing personal terms with the player, with a six-year contract offer set to be sent to the player’s representatives.
In total Maatsen has played 16 times for the Blues across all competitions and also spent time on loan at Charlton Athletic and Coventry City, but he appears to now be on his way out of the club on a permanent basis.
Last term the left-back faced competition from both Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella for a starting spot in Pochettino’s side.
