Reports: Dortmund consider Chelsea's Maatsen as potential Bensebaini alternative
Germany's main sporting tabloid reports that Borussia Dortmund have set their sights on Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen as part of their continued offseason efforts to upgrade their defensive corps.
A deal for Gladbach left fullback Ramy Bensebaini has reportedly stalled over competitive offers, according to Germany broadcaster Sport1.
A deal for Gladbach left fullback Ramy Bensebaini has reportedly stalled over competitive offers, according to Germany broadcaster Sport1.
| Photo: Marco Verch, CC BY-SA 2.0 |
Such moves would actually leave dire Schwarzgelben in need of two left-backs. In spite of reports that a deal for Gladbach's Ramy Bensebaini was close to the line, there has been no confirmation or indeed news of any movement with regard to that transfer in over two weeks. Germany's Sport Bild currently reports that the BVB are actually closer to completing a loan-out for Chelsea prospect Ian Maatsen.
The 20-year-old Dutchman is presently completing a season-long-loan at EFL Championship side Coventry City. Maatsen's parent club eventually envision him in a starting role for the Blues, yet wish to enhance his development further by shipping him out on loan again. The PSV Eindhoven academy product also spent a year on-loan at London's Charlton Athletic.
German broadcaster Sport1 reports that the reason Bensebaini's transfer to Dortmund has stalled involves the fact that Gladbach are entertaining other offers for the Algerian international. The 27-year-old could still theoretically fetch €25-30 million despite a suspect season during which his market value depreciated somewhat.
Dortmund may wish to obtain a cheaper alternative rather than get stuck in a bidding war with Italian and Spanish clubs (unnamed by Sport1) for Bensebaini. As noted above, however, departures of both Guerreiro and Schulz would leave the BVB in need of two new players for the position.
