Journalist Simon Phillips has now claimed that he thinks Chelsea player Ian Maatsen is about to leave the club.

He told his Substack that he thinks there is a real likelihood that the 21-year-old could actually be sold in the upcoming transfer window.

Maatsen is yet to start a league game for Chelsea this season, which is surprising when taking into account the good form he showed in pre-season.

He was one of the highlights of the tour of the United States, with Mauricio Pochettino taking a particular liking to him.

The Argentinian seemed to be a big fan of the versatility the Dutchman was showing, with him playing anywhere across the attack during pre-season.

This is despite his natural position being left-back, although there is plenty of competition for places in that role.

Maatsen likely to be sold

Even with Ben Chilwell’s lengthy injury layoff, Marc Cucurella has excelled when given his opportunity after it looked as if he was surplus to requirements.

Levi Colwill, traditionally a centre-back, has also performed well on the left of defence, and therefore opportunities have been limited for Maatsen.

Now, Phillips has predicted he will be sold in one of the two coming transfer windows.

He said: “There are still some slight doubts about the overall condition and fitness of Ben Chilwell, who is very injury prone. Ian Maatsen I still think will be sold in January or if not, in the summer.”

Chelsea almost cashed in on the 21-year-old in the final hours of the prior transfer window. They accepted a bid on deadline day from Burnley.

It does look as if they are going to cash in on the academy graduate though, with that method of selling bringing the most profit on the books.