Guardiola has often deployed a left-footed centre-back in that position, with Nathan Ake or Josko Gvardiol mostly sharing responsibilities. Maatsen can also play further forward to give City more options in that part of the pitch.
Barcelona had been linked with a move for Maatsen. However, 90min claims Xavi is happy with Alejandro Balde and is also prioritising making Joao Cancelo’s loan move from the Etihad permanent.
Maatsen first joined Chelsea as a teenager in 2018 and had loan spells at Charlton and Coventry before joining Burnley in 2022. He has made just nine appearances in total for Chelsea, making his debut in the League Cup in 2019.
City did business with Chelsea as recently as the summer. The treble winners signed midfielder Mateo Kovacic for a fee of £25m.
