Highly-rated Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen is already making a name for himself in the Bundesliga and could secure a high-profile move this summer.
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich are the latest club to register an interest in the Borussia Dortmund loanee.
Maatsen was shipped off to Signal Iduna Park on a temporary basis after struggling for playing time at Stamford Bridge despite switching positions.
However, the left-back has been a revelation for Dortmund since joining on a short-term loan in January, returning a goal and two assists in ten Bundesliga outings. He has also created three big chances for Der BVB.
The 22-year-old’s attacking exploits have not come at the expense of his primary defensive duties, contributing four clean sheets while winning 54% of his ground battles.
His performances haven’t gone under the radar, and his £35 million release clause is starting to look like a bargain for most European clubs.
Bayern are monitoring the Netherlands international and could activate his release clause if they lose Alphonso Davies to Real Madrid this summer.
Davies’ future has been subject to intense speculation in recent weeks after contract talks with the Bayern hierarchy hit several stumbling blocks.
The Canada international will enter the final 12 months of his contract next summer, and the club could be forced to cash in at a discount rather than lose him for nothing.
Bayern are still trying to convince Davies to pledge his allegiance.
However, the club have already begun scouring the market for potential alternatives if the allure of joining Madrid proves too strong for the player to ignore.
AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez has been identified as the primary target, but the France international will not come cheap, so Maatsen has emerged as a back-up plan.
It remains to be seen if Chelsea will keep Maatsen after his impressive loan spell, but their hands could be tied if his release clause is activated this summer.
