Aston Villa are making a bid to sign an “outstanding” player behind Maatsen

Aston Villa have also made a bid to sign “outstanding” player and left-back Ian Maatsen.

Maatsen will sign for Aston Villa

NSWE and Monchi appear to be closing in on their first marquee signing of the summer, with Chelsea defender Maatsen set to move to the Midlands.

The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, helping them reach the Champions League final. The Bundesliga giants had a chance to sign the Netherlands international for around £35m but have left the decision to buy.

Villa swooped in, agreeing to pay a £35m fee, with personal terms on a six-year deal at Villa Park.

It is believed that Champions League football with Unai Emery's side has proved to be a temptation for Maatsen, who looks set to battle with Lucas Digne and Alex Moreno for a starting spot.

After Maatsen, there may be other arrivals, as Ross Barkley's move is expected to be announced on a permanent basis next month, while Villa could also acquire players from Juventus in a swap deal with Douglas Luiz.

Alongside Luiz's departure, John Duran has been heavily linked with Chelsea, while young midfielder Tim Iroegbunam is set to join Everton. However, in response, Villa are looking to sign one of the Toffees' young players.

Aston Villa make a bid for Lewis Dobbin

According to a Sky Sports report 48 hours ago, who have been reporting on Maatsen's wait in the Midlands, Aston Villa have also made an offer to sign Lewis Dobbin from Everton.

They did not say how much the striker's offer is worth but the deals for Iroegbunam and Dobbin should help Villa and Everton when it comes to PSR.

Dobbin, 21, made 12 Premier League appearances and scored one goal last season. Prior to that, the striker spent the 2022/23 season on loan with Derby County, making over 50 senior appearances for the Rams.

He received praise from manager Paul Warne at the time, who said: “All players make mistakes and I don't mind that, but it's about having the courage to keep doing things and that's what Dobbs did.

“He did admirable things, some good things and some bad things, which is the same for all players. But it was a good article. I am happy when I say that headers are not among his good qualities, but to score his first league goal and to be the winner is a good feeling for a child.”

Dobbin can play as a left winger, right winger, striker, second striker or attacking midfielder, so it will be interesting to see how Emery uses him in the long run, should the transfer go through.