Barcelona are ready to trade Pau Cubarsi to Chelsea for Ian Maatsen.
Chelsea’s pursuit of highly-rated Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsi could come to an end if the Blues send Ian Maatsen the other way in a swap deal.
According to Spanish publication, Barcelona are interested in replacing Ian Maatsen with center back Kuvarč.
Mauricio Pochettino was so confident in the 16-year-old’s qualities that he pushed for his signature last summer, with the Blues under pressure to land the Spanish star.
Maatsen, who returned to Chelsea in the summer transfer window after completing a loan deal from Burnley, has played as a substitute this season.
The Dutch star did not want to extend his contract, with the Blues activating an option to extend his contract by another year.
Barcelona are targeting Ian Maatsen to sign Pau Cubarsi.
The Blues can’t afford to lose him for free, so they could be forced to sell the Dutch star if he doesn’t renew his contract and offer him a move in January.
Barcelona are very interested in signing the 21-year-old as a complement to Alejandro Balde as they are unsure about Marcos Alonso’s future at the Catalan club.
If the Blues can acquire Cubarsi in a trade deal, it would be another big plus for them.
The 16-year-old has shown a high level of maturity and if he continues in this way we could see him make his first team debut sooner rather than later as Pochettino is never afraid to give youngsters a chance players.
Maatsen failed to establish himself as a left-back at Chelsea and mainly played on the wing, but he is not happy with his playing time as a substitute and wants more playing time.
The Blues have a big decision to make regarding his future and if they really want the teenager from Barcelona, a swap deal would make sense.
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