TeamTalk reports that Chelsea are interested in signing Federico Dimarco, a target of Manchester United, to replace Ian Maatsen, who is scheduled to depart the club in January.

Maatsen’s contract extension clause was recently activated by Chelsea in order to retain him through June 2025. Despite this, rumors continue to circulate regarding his future, with TeamTalk reporting that Manchester City and Liverpool are both interested in signing the Dutchman prior to the winter transfer window.

Additionally, the Blues are working quietly to acquire a replacement for Maatsen. Chelsea is monitoring Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco, and they have already initiated communication with his representatives. Manchester United is also interested in the Italian, but Chelsea leads the pack in terms of acquiring the £50 million icon.

Surprise transfer

Chelsea possesses an ample supply of left-backs at the moment. Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella, and Maatsen are all members of the first team, and Levi Colwill has also started at center back for them this season. Although Chilwell is presently sidelined due to a hamstring injury, the club remain in a favorable standing.

Their interest in Dimarco is therefore unexpected. An offensive style of football is preferred by Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, and Dimarco’s performance in the final third may be the impetus for the pursuit. Last season, the 25-year-old recorded six goals and ten assists. He has completed the season with one goal and three assists.

Although he began his career at the left back position, Dimarco has predominantly operated from the left wing-back position for Inter. Chelsea could benefit from investing in the Italian because he is in the zenith of his career; however, whether the club would continue to do so at the start of 2024 remains uncertain.

Cucurella has experienced an extraordinary turnaround in recent weeks. At the beginning of the season, the Spaniard was utterly unpopular, but an injury to Chilwell and a few outstanding performances have elevated him to the position of undisputed starter. It would be more advantageous for Chelsea to acquire a marquee striker as opposed to an additional left-back.