Overview
- Reports on Thursday and Friday say Aston Villa are in advanced talks to agree a new long-term contract with Ian Maatsen, though no deal has been announced.
- The club has told suitors it did not intend to sell Maatsen over the summer and rejected a late loan enquiry from Manchester United.
- Maatsen has started Villa's opening five matches this season after Lucas Digne left for Paris Saint-Germain, which helped him establish a regular role under Unai Emery.
- His existing deal is reported to run to 2030, a position that gives Villa time and leverage to improve terms rather than being forced to sell.
- If completed, a new contract would secure Emery’s left-back option, reduce transfer noise around the squad and make rival clubs less likely to reopen talks.