Man City plot shock January transfer raid for Chelsea outcast with Blues set to axe up to five stars
MANCHESTER CITY are interested in Chelsea star Ian Maatsen, according to reports.
The Blues are set for a mass exodus this January with five players potentially heading for the exit door.
Maatsen is one of those that Chelsea are considering selling in order to balance the books after they splashed £1billion on new players since owner Todd Boehly took over in May last year.
The 21-year-old left-back spent the previous season on loan at Burnley, helping them earn promotion to the Premier League.
Vincent Kompany’s side tried to make the move permanent in the summer only for Maatsen to supposedly turn them down.
He was keen to fight for his place at Chelsea but has made just one Prem start this term.
The Athletic report that Man City are keen on him with the West Londoners open to cashing in.
He would give Pep Guardiola a natural option at left-back with central defenders Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol playing in the role.
Maatsen‘s contract expires in 18 months and there has been no talks over an extension.
However, Chelsea may want to keep him with Marc Cucurella injured for a couple of months and Ben Chilwell still in rehab after a serious hamstring issue.
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Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino could reportedly see Conor Gallagher sold in January.
The midfielder has played 22 times this season and has even captained the side on 12 occasions.
But with 18 months left on his deal, Gallagher could be sold as he can bring in a large fee.
This is despite the player being happy to stay.
Chelsea want to sell academy graduates as they hand the club 100 per cent profit.
Trevoh Chalobah has not played this season due to injuries and looks set to leave next month.
Offers for Armando Broja and Malang Sarr will also be considered.
And several Championship clubs are reportedly interested in signing Alex Matos on loan.