Transfer news journalist Fabrizio Romano has responded to recent links with Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen emerging as a possible target for Bayern Munich to replace Alphonso Davies.
The Italian reporter spoke exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, and brought up the recent claims that Maatsen could be an option for Bayern at left-back as they prepare for the possibility of Davies leaving the Allianz Arena as he nears the final year of his contract.
Maatsen is currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund, but Chelsea included a release clause in his new contract, so in theory any club, such as Bayern could trigger that clause and beat Dortmund to a permanent transfer this summer.
Still, Romano has played down the links with Bayern for now, even if he did admit that the Bavarian giants are already considering how to plan for life after Davies amid ongoing doubts over the Canada international’s future.
Maatsen transfer links played down by Romano
“I’m aware there have been rumours about Bayern Munich eyeing Ian Maatsen as a possible replacement for Alphonso Davies at left-back,” Romano wrote in today’s column.
“As things stand, I’m not aware of contacts for Maatsen at this stage. Bayern are looking at full-backs for sure, but there are many names every day linked with Bayern… nothing is concrete in terms of contacts for Maatsen. Of course they are monitoring the market as they prepare for the possibility of life without Davies.
“For sure there’s a chance for many clubs if they want to sign Maatsen as he’s on a straight loan to Dortmund and his deal includes a £35m release clause, rather than a purchase clause specific to Dortmund. Anyone can trigger that clause, so let’s see what happens, but there’s nothing concrete happening now.”
Some Chelsea fans may well be wondering why Maatsen hasn’t had more of a chance at Stamford Bridge after his impressive form on loan at Dortmund, but it seems pretty clear that his release clause is surely intended to pave the way for a permanent exit this summer.