£40m Star ‘Tempted’ by Champions League at Aston Villa
Aston Villa are on the verge of beating Bundesliga heavyweights Borussia Dortmund to the signing of Ian Maatsen after the Chelsea star’s head was turned by the Champions League football on offer at Villa Park ahead of the fast-approaching new campaign, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Villans are preparing to compete in Europe’s elite club competition for the first time since the 1982/83 season, having finished fourth in the Premier League last term, and head coach Unai Emery is in constant dialogue with president of football operations Monchi as he bids to bolster his squad.
Although Villa are edging towards seeing Douglas Luiz head through the exit door, with the Brazilian being keen to join Serie A giants Juventus in a high-profile swap deal, they have also remained determined to bring in reinforcements just a matter of days after the transfer window officially reopened for business.
Maatsen’s Head Turned by Villans’ European Qualification
Dutchman edging towards becoming new addition to Emery’s squad
Maatsen is tempted to end his Chelsea career on a permanent basis by joining Villa due to the Midlands outfit being prepared to compete in next season’s Champions League, according to GMS sources, and he is on course to become Emery’s first signing of the summer barring any last minute hitches.
The Villans have agreed terms with their domestic rivals after setting their sights on the Netherlands international, who is currently in Germany thanks to earning a late call-up to his country’s Euro 2024 squad, and are working hard behind the scenes to get the deal over the line by tying him down to a six-year contract.
Maatsen would provide the likes of Lucas Digne and Alex Moreno with stiff competition for a regular starting berth on the left-hand side of Villa’s defence, and GMS sources understand that plans are in place to finalise the summer switch in the coming days instead of waiting for him to return from representing his homeland.
Villa were forced to enter negotiations with Chelsea after a £35million release clause had expired, and they succeeded in finding a compromise with the west Londoners by agreeing to pay a fixed fee worth up to £40million before add-ons, with some being specific to their Champions League exploits.
