Ian Maatsen &#8211; CaughtOffside

Liverpool hold talks with France international should key deal collapse

Transfer news: Omorodion Chelsea, Zubimendi Liverpool, Man Utd ins and outs, Arsenal update & more

“Agreement in place” – Journalist shares exciting Liverpool transfer update

Aston Villa are set for a big season

This season is a huge one for Aston Villa as the Birmingham club will return to the Champions League after many years away. Emery’s team hopes to kick on further and have been recruiting heavily in order to try and achieve this.

In addition to Maatsen, Villa have signed Amadou Onana, Samuel Iling-Junior, Ross Barkley, Cameron Archer, Jaden Philogene, Enzo Barrenechea and Lewis Dobbin this summer.

Villa fans will be disappointed to see Moreno leave but they know they can afford to allow him to depart if he wishes as the club are stacked in that area of the pitch.

The post New Aston Villa signing as made 31-year-old want to quit the club appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Aston Villa preparing the sale of 46-capped international player alongside Moussa Diaby

CJ — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 17:04:35 +0000

Aston Villa are preparing to sell left-back Lucas Digne this summer, according to reports.

The 46-time France international joined Villa from Everton in January 2022 and has notched four goals and 10 assists in 93 appearances for the club across all competitions — Digne also started 27 of Aston Villa’s 38 Premier League games last season, scoring once and setting up another three goals.

However, Digne’s place in Unai Emery’s team is under threat after Villa signed Dutch left-back Ian Maatsen from Chelsea this summer, while Villa also have Spaniard Alex Moreno and young English talent Lino Sousa already on their books.

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are now preparing to sell Digne to clear some space in their squad and on their wage bill following a busy summer that has seen them bring in the likes of Cameron Archer, Jaden Philogene, Samuel Iling-Junior and Lewis Dobbin alongside Maatsen.

A double French departure for Villa?

Of course, Digne may not be the only Frenchman heading for the Villa Park exit door this summer.

Rumours of his departure follow closely from reports linking winger Moussa Diaby with a move to Saudi side Al Ittihad.

According to Fabrizio Romano, talks between the two clubs have entered the ‘final stages’, with a fee in the region of €55m in the process of being agreed.

???? Negotiations between Al Ittihad and Moussa Diaby are at final stages after progress made this week, almost there.

All parties feel the deal will get done with details still being discussed on fee in excess of €55m.

??? pic.twitter.com/DKlf5a7pR6

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2024

Aston Villa have already sold Douglas Luiz (to Juventus), Tim Iroegbunam (to Everton) and Morgan Sanson (to Nice) this summer to ensure they balance the books ahead of their first Champions League campaign since winning the competition in 1982.

The post Aston Villa preparing the sale of 46-capped international player alongside Moussa Diaby appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Transfer news: Chelsea in talks over 19-year-old, Man United star attracting interest from Turkey, Leny Yoro latest & more

Fabrizio Romano — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 17:00:00 +0000

This article was originally published on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, a subscription service. If you would like to receive Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive transfer news via email ahead of publication on caughtoffside.com, please sign-up for the service here: thedailybriefing.io

Discussions ongoing as Chelsea look to bring 19-year-old talent to Stamford Bridge

Chelsea’s interest in Boca Juniors’ talent Aaron Anselmino is genuine and the Premier League club are looking into how to complete a deal for the 19-year-old talent. Discussions are ongoing with all parties involved to understand the details of the release clause in the Argentine’s contract, which is set at $25m. There has been no formal proposal yet, but for sure Chelsea are monitoring him among many talents for the future.

It remains to be seen how strong Chelsea will push for Anselmino as he is a very talented centre-back. Many clubs in Europe have been monitoring him from Spain and Italy, but I can say that Chelsea are now the frontrunners for the player.

Liverpool positioning to pounce on Real Madrid target should transfer collapse

The transfer story of Lille’s Leny Yoro is one of the most particular of this summer’s window so here is a quick update.

Real Madrid have been monitoring his situation for a long time and the La Liga champions consider him a generational talent. Madrid is the preferred destination of Yoro and personal terms will not be a problem for this deal. If Real Madrid make a move for the Lille star, he will be their player next season.

The player is waiting for the Spanish giants to make a decision and while that is happening, other top European clubs have been monitoring the situation.

Lille’s Leny Yoro is admired by Liverpool and Real Madrid

Man United appreciate Yoro but there is nothing advanced on the player’s side. Liverpool have already confirmed their interest and have made some steps towards signing the centre-back, but the Premier League club have the feeling that Real Madrid will win the race for the player. I can confirm that Liverpool will be there if the player fails to make a move to the La Liga champions.

Finally, Paris Saint-Germain have a very good relationship with people close to Yoro so the French giants are also in a good position should the deal to Real Madrid not materialise.

Man United’s Victor Lindelof attracting interest from Turkey

Victor Lindelof’s future at Man United is uncertain ahead of the new season as the centre-back has a contract at Old Trafford which expires in the summer of 2025. There is interest from Turkey in the form of Fenerbahce, who like Lindelof. Their new coach Jose Mourinho brought the player to United back in 2017 and the pair could work together again.

However, I’m not aware of advanced negotiations with the club or player yet. I’m told it’s not a deal close to being completed as Fenerbahce only have an interest for now, so it’s not something advanced. There are also other options being considered by the player regarding his future.

Chelsea not giving up on 20-year-old La Liga star

Chelsea have an interest in Atletico Madrid’s Samuel Omorodion

Chelsea continue to discuss internally a potential move for Atletico Madrid’s Samuel Omorodion having seen a bid worth €40m rejected by the La Liga club. Atletico remain hopeful of keeping the player at the club this summer as they see the 20-year-old as a big talent for the future, with his value potentially rising to around €90m down the line.

However, Chelsea are not giving up on the player and are waiting to see what happens with Omorodion on the club side. Meanwhile, the Premier League team have made contact on the player’s side and are trying to find out if the forward is open to a move to Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Let’s see if they attack this transfer strongly or if they go down the route of Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran as the Blues continue to assess their striker targets internally.

More Stories / Latest News

Liverpool hold talks with France international should key deal collapse

Transfer news: Omorodion Chelsea, Zubimendi Liverpool, Man Utd ins and outs, Arsenal update & more

“Agreement in place” – Journalist shares exciting Liverpool transfer update

Jeremie Frimpong is being linked to Barcelona because of key man’s admiration

Jeremie Frimpong has a release clause in his Bayer Leverkusen contract and that is attracting attention from top clubs around Europe after his great season in Germany. English clubs are there, but we are starting to hear rumours of Barcelona being interested in the Netherlands international.

What I can tell you about this is two things: the first one is that Frimpong is appreciated by the new Barca coach Hansi Flick having been watched by the German coach throughout his free time in his home country while he waited for a new job and the second, Flick is open to keeping Joao Cancelo at the club and this deal is more likely as it is more affordable on loan, which would then make a deal for Frimpong difficult for the La Liga team.

Nothing is advanced at the moment, so let us see what Barcelona do with their full-backs.

Chelsea player’s transfer to get “Here We Go!” soon

Ian Maatsen in action for Chelsea

Chelsea and Aston Villa reached an agreement for the £37.5m sale of Ian Maatsen on Wednesday and I can say that the “Here We Go!” is expected soon.

What is missing is the full agreement between Maatsen and Aston Villa on personal terms. There are still some details to clarify but I believe conversations are going very well. The full-back is keen on the move to Villa Park so now we wait for the player’s contract to get finalised. The agents are working on it and then we should get the final green light on this transfer story.

What is going on at Arsenal?

I have no concrete updates yet on Arsenal regarding their search for a new striker and midfielder. The priority right now at the Emirates is to complete some outgoings with Reiss Nelson one player expected to leave the club this summer. He will not be the only one and while Arsenal look to sell some of their stars, they are keeping their options open for incomings but nothing is imminent yet. Patience is needed but I can guarantee that Arsenal internally have clear ideas of what they want to do ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

The post Transfer news: Chelsea in talks over 19-year-old, Man United star attracting interest from Turkey, Leny Yoro latest & more appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Transfer news: Chelsea exit close, Man United star’s new deal, major swap still on & more

Fabrizio Romano — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 15:25:00 +0000

Why Ian Maatsen is close to leaving Chelsea for higher than his £35m release clause

Ian Maatsen to Aston Villa is almost a ‘here we go’ – I say almost because Villa and Maatsen are in a direct discussion, there is a negotiation ongoing between the club and the player on personal terms. Villa have offered a six-year contract to Maatsen and are working to reach an agreement and to convince the player on financial terms, on the project, and on Unai Emery’s ideas for him.

An agreement between Villa and Chelsea, meanwhile, is already done. The fee is going to be £37.5m, and some of you have been asking me why it’s more than Maatsen’s £35m release clause. First of all, that clause has now expired, so it’s no longer valid. Paying slightly more also means Villa can pay it over several years, so the terms are better for them. It’s also important to say that Borussia Dortmund really tried to advance on signing Maatsen permanently, but they never offered £35m.

So, the deal is agreed between Chelsea Villa for £37.5m, Maatsen is now negotiating personal terms with Villa, and the hope for all parties is to get a deal done this week. A ‘here we go’ could come soon.

The expectation is also for a player to leave Villa and join Chelsea. My understanding is that it could be an academy player, so don’t expect big names. The original idea was for Jhon Duran to be part of the negotiations, but Chelsea have still not decided what they want to do with the striker position as they also consider Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid.

So, talks are ongoing between Villa and Chelsea over including an academy player in this deal, and this is expected to happen in a separate deal, while Maatsen will make the move to Villa Park.

Villa are also advancing in their swap deal for Douglas Luiz to join Juventus. Thiago Motta wants Luiz at Juve, while the player himself has also been very clear that he wants to join. This deal is still on, it never collapsed even if there were some tense moments because Weston McKennie is no longer part of the deal as of now. There has been no agreement between McKennie and Juventus on the exit conditions, and so Villa are tired of waiting for an ending to this story. Samuel Iling-Junior is still involved, and also now young Argentine midfielder Enzo Barrenechea.

Matias Soule was linked at one point, but he will not be part of the negotiations because Juventus value him at around €40m, so this would completely change the structure of the deal. So the negotiation remains for Luiz to Juventus, and for Iling-Junior and Barrenechea to Villa.

Michael Olise to Chelsea latest, plus rumoured Conor Gallagher bid

The Michael Olise transfer story is undoubtedly one of the biggest of the summer and I’ve again had some of you asking me for updates. What I can reveal is that, in the last two days, Crystal Palace have offered Olise a new contract. Olise was also close to joining Chelsea last summer before Palace offered him a new deal, and now this summer they are trying exactly the same strategy.

Now it’s up to the player, and Palace have given permission to Chelsea, Newcastle United and Bayern Munich to talk to the player. At the moment, Chelsea are really pushing and are prepared to pay what Palace want for Olise, and they are also pushing on the player side. Chelsea believe that to agree personal terms with the player will mean getting the deal done.

Despite Palace offering Olise a new deal, Chelsea are really pushing and insisting and doing their best to land the French winger. Bayern and Newcastle are also there, while Palace manager Oliver Glasner would love to keep him at the club, who have offered a new contract with an improved salary. Let’s see what the player will decide now, but it’s an intriguing story and one of the big sagas of the beginning of the summer.

One final point on Chelsea – despite reports of a bid from Atletico Madrid for Conor Gallagher, I’m not aware of any offer being made. Nothing concrete is happening now, firstly because Gallagher won’t entertain any negotiation during the Euros and also because Chelsea want a £50m fee for the player, something almost impossible for Atletico Madrid now. So at this point, there’s nothing concrete apart from appreciation for the player.

Edson Alvarez to Man United? Plus latest on the future of Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood

As I’ve reported in recent days, Manchester United are looking at several positions, including a striker, with Joshua Zirkzee one of the names they’re considering, and they’ve asked for information about him. But they’re also looking at midfielders – it’s not something imminent, it’s not happening now, but they’re considering opportunities and internally they are discussing several options.

In case Casemiro leaves the club, and if Financial Fair Play allows it, they are assessing options in midfield, and one of the names being mentioned is Edson Alvarez of West Ham. It would be a difficult deal, and very expensive, because West Ham consider him a crucial player, but of course Alvarez is a player that Erik ten Hag knows very well from their time together at Ajax.

Alvarez was a key player at Ajax and he did well at West Ham last season, and he’s considered a really, really good player by all people at Manchester United. It’s not easy, it will take time, but Alvarez is one of the options being discussed internally at Man United in case they decide to make a move for a new midfielder.

In terms of centre-backs, an update I can give you on United’s plans in that position is that Jean-Clair Todibo, who has been on their list since one year ago, cannot join United because of rules regarding two clubs with the same owners playing in the same European competition. There was optimism around this deal, with Todibo keen to join United, but it can’t happen. Nice and United will both be in the Europa League next season and so they can’t proceed on this one. Let’s see if they can find a solution with Fifa, but at the moment the rules are very clear and strict.

So, at the moment the deal for Todibo to join Man United is off, but it was a really concrete possibility. Todibo also has interest from other clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, while Aston Villa, Juventus and Atletico Madrid have scouted the player several times. Todibo has multiple options for his future, but United can’t happen because of Fifa rules.

More Stories / Latest News

Liverpool hold talks with France international should key deal collapse

Transfer news: Omorodion Chelsea, Zubimendi Liverpool, Man Utd ins and outs, Arsenal update & more

“Agreement in place” – Journalist shares exciting Liverpool transfer update

Staying with Manchester United, as I reported yesterday there remains the possibility of Bruno Fernandes signing a new contract if he decides to stay at the club. The situation remains absolutely open in terms of contract talks. Man United are very happy with Fernandes as they told his agent a few weeks ago in an initial meeting to discuss the situation.

Fernandes remains focused and committed to Manchester United – it’s true that his agent had some meetings with top clubs around Europe a few weeks ago to look at potential opportunities, but at the same time, Fernandes remains absolutely committed to United and a new deal could be an option in the next months, but it’s not something guaranteed, or already being completed now. It’s still on stand-by.

Still, this will be one to watch in the next weeks to understand the future of Fernandes at Manchester United, either with contract talks, or if a club will arrive with a proposal.

There are many links every day for Mason Greenwood, the latest being with Lazio, but what I’m hearing is that no club has agreed on a fee with Man United. It’s still a difficult negotiation, with Man United asking for big money and there are many clubs involved trying to agree on a deal, so it’s an open situation so far.

Liverpool linked with Waldemar Anton but Bundesliga move could be more likely

Arne Slot had his first official day at Liverpool yesterday as he spoke to club media at the training ground, but what’s going on with the Reds’ plans for the transfer market this summer?

So far it’s quiet, but there are always stories in the media and one name linked is Stuttgart captain Waldemar Anton. Still, my understanding is more that Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund both like him, and so German clubs are pushing for Anton. Xabi Alonso is a big fan and would really like to bring him in as a new signing for Leverkusen this summer.

The post Transfer news: Chelsea exit close, Man United star’s new deal, major swap still on & more appeared first on CaughtOffside.

22-year-old Chelsea talent on the verge of joining Premier League rivals

Darren Looney — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 18:26:20 +0000

Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen is moving closer to joining Aston Villa after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal for the transfer of the left-back.

The Blues need to sell some of their players before June 30 to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules and the defender was one star placed on the transfer list.

Maatsen spent the second half of the current campaign on loan with Borussia Dortmund and it was a very beneficial move for all involved. The full-back played a key role in helping the German side reach the Champions League final as the Chelsea man featured in 23 games for BVB.

The 22-year-old was expected to complete a permanent move to the Bundesliga side this summer, but it is now being reported that the Maatsen is on his way to Aston Villa.

According to The Athletic, Villa and Chelsea have agreed a deal for the left-back with the fee being just above £35m. Personal terms are also in place on a six-year contract, which the Birmingham club are working to finalise.

This has the potential to be a great signing for the Premier League club as they continue to search for players to strengthen their squad ahead of a 2024/25 campaign which contains Champions League football.

Ian Maatsen is set to join Aston Villa from Chelsea

More Stories / Latest News

Liverpool hold talks with France international should key deal collapse

Transfer news: Omorodion Chelsea, Zubimendi Liverpool, Man Utd ins and outs, Arsenal update & more

“Agreement in place” – Journalist shares exciting Liverpool transfer update

Unai Emery wanted Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen at Aston Villa

The report states that Villa manager Unai Emery is a huge admirer of the Maatsen and played a part in the Birmingham club recruiting the defender ahead of the new season. The Dutch full-back will likely take the starting role on the left at Villa Park, which could see one of their other left-backs leave.

Alex Moreno and Lucas Digne are Villa’s current options and the French star has been close to leaving the Premier League club in the past.

The arrival of Maatsen may prompt an exit, but the signing of the Chelsea defender is an impressive one if he can perform in England’s top flight as he did in Germany this season.

The post 22-year-old Chelsea talent on the verge of joining Premier League rivals appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea could use 22-year-old in a deal to sign South American ace

Saikat Chatterjee — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 12:19:49 +0000

Chelsea have been linked with a move for the Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran this summer.

The 20-year-old striker struggles for regular game time at the West Midlands club and he could be on the move this summer. Chelsea are keen on signing him and Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that the Blues could offer Ian Maatsen as a part of the deal to sign the Aston Villa striker.

Apparently, Aston Villa are demanding a fee of around £40 million for the Colombian striker and Chelsea are now hoping to include the 22-year-old defender as a part of the deal so that they can bring down the asking price. It will be interesting to see if Aston Villa are willing to accept the deal. Player plus cash deals are often difficult to execute. It remains to be seen how the situation situation unfolds.

Duran will be hoping to play regularly at this stage of his career and a move to Chelsea could be an exciting opportunity for him.

More Stories / Latest News

Liverpool hold talks with France international should key deal collapse

Transfer news: Omorodion Chelsea, Zubimendi Liverpool, Man Utd ins and outs, Arsenal update & more

“Agreement in place” – Journalist shares exciting Liverpool transfer update

Ian Maatsen will want to leave Chelsea

On the other hand, Maatsen was on alone at Borussia Dortmund last season and he reached the UEFA Champions League final with them.

He will want to continue competing at the highest level and he will be keen on securing a permanent exit from Chelsea. Aston Villa have secured Champions League qualification for the next season and they will be able to provide him with regular opportunities. It remains to be seen whether he is open to joining the West Midlands club in the coming weeks. They have a quality manager in Unai Emery who can help him develop further.

As for Duran, he will look to play more often next season and a move to Chelsea would be ideal for him. He could compete with Nicolas Jackson for the starting spot.

The post Chelsea could use 22-year-old in a deal to sign South American ace appeared first on CaughtOffside.

£35m Chelsea defender a “priority target” for European giants with player happy to move

Darren Looney — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 16:55:36 +0000

Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen remains a priority target for Borussia Dortmund this summer but the Bundesliga giants do not want to pay the defender’s £35m release clause.

The Dutch star spent this season on loan with the German club and it was a very beneficial move for all involved. Maatsen played a key role in helping Dortmund reach the Champions League final as the Chelsea man featured in 23 games for BVB.

Ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, Borussia Dortmund now want to sign the full-back permanently but are unwilling to pay his £35m release clause states Fabrizio Romano.

The transfer expert has said that the Dutch defender is a “priority target” for the Bundesliga giants and that it won’t be an easy deal for them to get over the line.

Answering questions as part of Fabrizio’s Mailbag on CaughtOffside’s The Daily Briefing, Romano has said that Maatsen was very happy in Germany so any transfer is in Dortmund’s hands.

The transfer expert stated: “Then they will be busy with the left-back. I think Ian Maatsen remains the priority target there. It’s not that easy because he has a release clause of £35m. Dortmund want to pay less than this to sign Ian Maatsen, so it’s not easy to reach an agreement with Chelsea, but the player was very happy there.”

Borussia Dortmund want to bring Ian Maatsen back for 2024/25 campaign

More Stories / Latest News

Liverpool hold talks with France international should key deal collapse

Transfer news: Omorodion Chelsea, Zubimendi Liverpool, Man Utd ins and outs, Arsenal update & more

“Agreement in place” – Journalist shares exciting Liverpool transfer update

Aston Villa a threat to Borussia Dortmund’s Ian Maatsen hopes

In addition to Borussia Dortmund, Aston Villa are monitoring the situation of Maatsen as they know Chelsea have to sell the player by June 30 in order to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

The Birmingham club have already enquired about the left-back during talks with Chelsea over a deal for Jhon Duran, reported The Telegraph.

It is uncertain if Maatsen is a top target for Villa but the Premier League club would have the financial advantage over Dortmund if any potential deal for the 22-year-old came down to this.

The post £35m Chelsea defender a “priority target” for European giants with player happy to move appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Premier League club pushing hard for Chelsea star but unwilling to match £35m asking price

Darren Looney — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 14:30:48 +0000

Ian Maatsen is set to leave Chelsea ahead of the 2024/25 campaign with Aston Villa one of the clubs pushing for the left-back.

The Blues need to sell players before June 30 to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations with the Dutch star one of the players the West London club are open to selling.

Maatsen is a talented player and spent the second half of this season on loan with Borussia Dortmund. The 22-year-old featured 23 times for the Bundesliga club, producing three goals and two assists, while his performances at left-back helped Dortmund reach the Champions League final.

The German giants want to keep the defender for the 2024/25 campaign but are unwilling to meet the Chelsea player’s £35m release clause.

This has opened the door for Aston Villa to make a move for Maatsen, but it is believed that the Birmingham side are also reluctant to make the transfer fee required to sign the player.

Nevertheless, Villa are still looking for a way to bring the Dutch star to Villa Park this summer and are in constant contact with the Chelsea star’s team regarding the deal.

Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen is wanted by Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa

More Stories / Latest News

Liverpool hold talks with France international should key deal collapse

Transfer news: Omorodion Chelsea, Zubimendi Liverpool, Man Utd ins and outs, Arsenal update & more