Chelsea earned a much needed victory over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening.
The hosts went ahead early on when Mykhaylo Mudryk netted his third goal of the season, but Palace drew level when Michael Olise – who was a target for the Blues over the summer – curled in a fine effort.
The game looked to be heading for a draw until late on, when VAR intervened and awarded Chelsea a penalty for a foul on Noni Madueke, who stepped up and rolled in the spotkick to secure victory for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Having endured a difficult season so far, the Argentine will be desperate to see his side kick on now, starting with a trip to Luton Town on Saturday.
In the meantime, it appears that one of Chelsea’s fringe players is a target for Premier League champions Manchester City.
As reported by The Athletic, Ian Maatsen is a target for the Citizens and could be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge in January.
Maatsen could leave Chelsea when the transfer window reopens next month
The 21-year-old Dutchman is a product of Chelsea’s youth academy, but had only made one senior appearance for the club prior this season.
Following loan spells at Charlton Athletic, Coventry City, and Burnley, the left-back returned to Stamford Bridge ahead of the current campaign but has so far failed to establish himself as a regular for Pochettino.
In total he has made just 15 appearances across all competitions, and the win over the Eagles on Wednesday marked the Dutchman’s first Premier League start of the season.
With that in mind, the report claims that Maatsen could be sold next month as Chelsea look to trim Pochettino’s squad and raise funds for further new signings.
City are said to be one of a number of potential admirers, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Blues would sell directly to a rival.
Maatsen’s versatility will also appeal to City, with the player able to operate in several more attacking roles, as well as in his more natural left-back position.