CHELSEA have triggered a secret clause in Ian Maatsen's contract, according to reports.
The club have taken the decision to extend the 21-year-old's deal by one year, tying him down to 2025.
Reports from the Evening Standard claim Maatsen has rejected two contract offers in recent weeks and Chelsea have therefore activated the extension clause.
This comes after supposed interest from Barcelona with the Catalan giants considering making a bid for him in January.
Maatsen's longer contract could force Xavi's side to pay more for the Dutch left-back.
He spent last season on loan at Burnley and the newly-promoted side saw a loan offer with an obligation to buy worth £31.5million accepted over the summer.
READ MORE ON CHELSEA
POWER UP
Get £40 in free Bet Builder bets when you stake £10 on football with Paddy Power
TAKE A BOE
Chelsea fans 'love Todd Boehly' after new sponsors reveals his incredible plan
However, Maatsen rejected the transfer as he hoped to force his way into Mauricio Pochettino's side.
But he has played just 83 minutes in the Premier League this season amid competition from Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella.
Consequently, Maatsen is reportedly considering his future at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea fans are delighted the club has taken up the option to add a year to his contract.
Most read in Football
LIONS HIT THE BAR
Inside England stars’ boozy £35k celebrations after reaching Euro finals
LIONS’ DEN
Millwall SACK manager Gary Rowett after four years in charge
CELL MATES
Ronaldo said I’m only player better than him… then I watched him from prison
STAR WEIGHS IN
Karim Benzema slammed by French politician for ‘spreading Hamas propaganda’
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
One said: "Huge, hopefully we can tie him down on a long-term deal soon."
Another added: "Smart move."
More wondered: "Does this mean he will get game time or are they trying to protect his value and sell?"
Source: Read Full Article
