West Ham manager David Moyes finds himself in dire need of reinforcing the left-back position during the upcoming January transfer window, aiming to inject healthy competition and effective cover for Emerson Palmieri.
The current performance of Hammers left-back Aaron Cresswell falls short of the Premier League standard, prompting the understanding behind the club’s attempt to offload the 34-year-old during the summer transfer period.
Among the prospective contenders, Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen has emerged as a prominent figure linked to West Ham, with reports suggesting that Chelsea has set a valuation of approximately £20 million for the 21-year-old talent.
Maatsen, despite limited opportunities under Mauricio Pochettino this season, has conveyed a sense that his future might lie outside Stamford Bridge. This situation raises the anticipation of Maatsen potentially stepping into the London Stadium to present a formidable challenge to Emerson for a starting spot.
According to Dean Jones, West Ham holds high confidence in securing Maatsen’s services during the January transfer window. The potential addition of Maatsen has garnered praise, with Burnley manager Vincent Kompany describing him as a ‘terrific’ player possessing exceptional speed, defensive prowess, and versatility to excel in wing-back roles if necessary.
Maatsen’s untapped potential underscores the anticipation of further development in the years ahead. Despite receiving minimal Premier League minutes this season and facing competition at Chelsea, including from the likes of Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill, and the presently injured Ben Chilwell, there’s a tangible belief that the promising left-back may find the prospect of joining West Ham in January enticing.
The prospect of Ian Maatsen donning the West Ham colors represents a significant and impressive acquisition for the club, potentially signifying a marked improvement over the current incumbent, Cresswell.
