West Ham are still in the race to sign Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen in the January transfer window, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.
The Hammers are looking to bolster their defence in the winter market, and replacing veteran Aaron Cresswell is one of their priorities.
However, West Ham are not alone in the race. Galetti says that German giants Borussia Dortmund are more serious in getting him. They are keeping the pressure on Chelsea and are expected to make a move in the coming days.
The Italian journalist adds that Chelsea have set a price tag of around £17m for the defender.
🚨🔥 #BVB are keeping their pressure for #Maatsen: the 🇩🇪 club is ready to make an attempt for the 🇳🇱 LB in the next few days.
‼️ #Chelsea already set the price tag at ~€20m, as told in mid-December.
🔎 #WestHam and other EPL teams are still monitoring Ian. 🐓⚽ #Transfers https://t.co/4H1derYLjF pic.twitter.com/zvKwu5bRDU
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) January 2, 2024
Should Hammers move for him?
According to a report from Sky Germany, Chelsea have told that any potential suitor looking to sign the youngster on loan will have to buy him permanently at the end of the season.
This is a massive transfer window for the Hammers. They have done really well in the Europa League so far and have moved into the knock-out stages. Under David Moyes, West Ham have punched above their weight in the Premier League as well.
Maatsen is not in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans. At 21, he has the entire career ahead of him, and West Ham can afford to take a punt. They can sign him on loan with a view to make it permanent.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports have claimed that French club AS Monaco are in advanced talks to sign Hammers defender Thilo Keherer. If Moyes can ship out some of the fringe players, he can free up the space and wages to bring in players like Maatsen.
