Aston Villa endured a difficult summer transfer window, with Unai Emery’s side seeing a number of important players leave Villa Park. The club lost Youri Tielemans to Manchester United, while Morgan Rogers made the move to Chelsea, Lucas Digne joined Paris Saint-Germain, and Ezri Konsa joined Arsenal.
Villa were dealt another major blow when Ollie Watkins made a surprise move to Al-Hilal, leaving Emery with a squad that looks considerably shorter in several areas of the pitch.
After seeing so many key players depart, the club are now keen to avoid a repeat situation and are working to secure the futures of their most important stars.
According to Football Insider, Villa are now advancing in talks with Ian Maatsen over a new contract. The 24-year-old has emerged as an important player for Emery, and the club are keen to reward his progress while also making it clear that he remains a major part of their plans.
Aston Villa In Talks to Extend Ian Maatsen Contract
Aston Villa are making progress in negotiations with Ian Maatsen over a new deal at Villa Park, according to Football Insider.
The report claims that Villa are keen to commit the 24-year-old to their long-term plans after he established himself as an important member of Emery’s squad.
Maatsen has previously received strong praise from Emery, with the Villa boss describing the Netherlands international as “fantastic”. His growing importance to the team has now prompted the club to look at improving his terms despite the defender already having a contract that runs until 2030.
Villa’s decision comes after Maatsen attracted interest from Manchester United during the summer transfer window. Football Insider reports that United made a late enquiry for the left-back, but Villa rejected the approach as they had no intention of allowing him to leave.
The Midlands club are now keen to shut down any further uncertainty surrounding Maatsen’s future and believe he can play an important role in their ambitions under Emery.
Maatsen Becoming Increasingly Important for Emery
Maatsen has started all five of Villa’s matches this season, underlining just how important he has become to Emery.
While Villa have endured a difficult beginning to their Premier League campaign, the defender has continued to impress and has strengthened his position within the starting XI.
That has made his situation particularly significant following a summer in which Villa lost several established players. Emery and the club hierarchy will be eager to ensure that another key member of the squad does not become the subject of sustained transfer speculation.
Although Maatsen is already contracted to Villa until 2030, the proposed new agreement would reflect his improved standing within the squad and provide further security over his future.
Villa are also aware that continued strong performances could attract further interest from Manchester United or other clubs. By working on improved terms now, they can strengthen their position and make it clear that Maatsen is not available for sale.
After such a turbulent summer, retaining their best players will be a major priority for Villa. Maatsen appears to be one of the players Emery considers central to his plans, and securing his future would give the club some much-needed stability.
