Aston Villa 'ask for conditions' to trigger Chelsea domino effect

The Villans are interested in signing Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen after his successful season-long loan at Borussia Dortmund.

The 22-year-old is set to return to Stamford Bridge imminently following a temporary move to Germany that saw him reach the Champions League final. Dortmund want to bring Maatsen back permanently but other teams across Europe - including Villa - are eager to disrupt things.

The Telegraph reports Villa have lodged an official enquiry to Chelsea, asking for the conditions required to sign Maatsen. It’s not the only dealing between the two clubs as the Blues are in advanced talks to sign Jhon Duran from Villa, while Conor Gallagher has been heavily linked with a move in the other direction.

It’s claimed that Villa only prepared to buy from Chelsea if Duran completes his move the other way. Both clubs are walking on thin ice when it comes to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations (PSR), so every step is being taken rather gingerly and considered meticulously.

Maatsen would cost less than Duran

The domino effect of Duran joining Chelsea could be significant as it would open the door for Maatsen or Gallagher to move to Villa. The latter has been spoken about plenty already, while Maatsen - available via his £35 million release clause - would sort an imminent problem on the left side of defence.

Villa are preparing for the exit of Alex Moreno this summer as the 31-year-old is reportedly keen on a return to Real Betis in La Liga. That would leave a void as Lucas Digne would then be the only natural left-back in the squad.