Borussia Dortmund prepare initial offer to sign Chelsea defender
The Champions League finalists have identified the Chelsea defender as their priority.
Borussia Dortmund are attempting to work out a deal for Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen.
The defender spent the previous six months on loan at Dortmund.
The Dutchman made an impression, helping Edin Terzic's team reach the Champions League final.
His loan deal at Dortmund did not include a purchase option and now the German club will have to find a way to keep the player.
Dortmund have decided to start talks with Chelsea by planning to make an offer of €25m, which is considerably less than the release clause in his contract.
According to information provided by Fabrizio Romano on X, the Bundesliga giants are hoping to sign the Chelsea defender in a deal less than his release clause.
Romano tweeted:
“Borussia Dortmund initial proposal for Ian Maatsen will be around €25m, in order to start talks with Chelsea.
“Release clause is £35m, clubs expected to discuss in the next days.
“Maatsen, BVB priority but they need different price or will consider alternatives.”
Romano has mentioned that although Maatsen is the priority for Dortmund, they are ready to consider other alternatives if his price does not drop.
It is not a surprise to see the German club going after the Chelsea defender as he was crucial to them in their run to the Champions League final.
Maatsen has shown he is good enough to play at the highest level and his Dortmund performances have proven that.
It remains to be seen who will surrender first in the negotiations between the two clubs.
Chelsea have pointed out to the release clause of the player but Dortmund are not willing to match that and want the price to be lowered.
The Blues will not like Dortmund's move of starting the talks at such a low price and will point to the German club's run to the Champions League final which would have earned them a significant amount in the process.
Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is the subject of interest from Tottenham and Aston Villa, despite the midfielder not desperate to leave the club in the summer.
