Chelsea Loanee Identified as Top Summer Target by Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund have reportedly made Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen their priority target for the upcoming summer transfer window.

Maatsen has become a key player for Edin Terzic’s side since joining on loan in January. The full-back has made 22 appearances across all competitions, contributing three goals and two assists.

Starting all six of Dortmund’s Champions League knockout games, Maatsen has been instrumental in helping the team reach their first Champions League final since the 2012-13 season. After scoring in Dortmund’s 4-0 league win over Darmstadt on Saturday, Maatsen is now preparing for a Champions League final against Real Madrid at Wembley on June 1.

Although Maatsen is focused on his on-field duties, a decision regarding his long-term future needs to be made soon. Currently, Maatsen is set to return to Chelsea at the end of the season when his loan deal concludes.

According to journalist Patrick Berger, Dortmund have made it a top priority to sign Maatsen on a permanent deal this summer. The Bundesliga club is keen to make significant progress in negotiations and secure the defender as their first summer signing.

Talks have already been initiated by Dortmund with Chelsea, aiming to reduce Maatsen’s reported €35m (£30m) release clause. Maatsen himself is believed to be eager to join Dortmund permanently after struggling to establish himself in Chelsea’s first team.

The Chelsea academy product had loan spells at Charlton Athletic, Coventry City, and Burnley, and he turned down a permanent move to Burnley last summer. Under Mauricio Pochettino, Maatsen made just one start in 12 Premier League appearances in the second half of the season.

The move to Dortmund has provided Maatsen with regular playing time in one of Europe’s top leagues, an opportunity he seems keen to continue.