Dortmund may lose out to Aston Villa on signing Ian Maatsen from Chelsea

German side Dortmund FC may lose out in signing Ian Maatsen from Chelsea as Aston Villa move to complete agreement on personal terms for the player.

ESPN reports that Dortmund was eager to sign Maatsen permanently, but were unwilling to pay Chelsea’s £35 million ($44.7 million) asking price.

The 22-year-old, who initially joined Dortmund on loan in January, has established himself as a vital component of Edin Terzic’s squad.

Ian Maatsen featured in all seven of their Champions League knockout games, which ended with their decisive loss to Real Madrid.

Aston Villa is said to have gazumped Dortmund in the race to sign Maatsen according to a report by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano with personal terms said to have been agreed.

Romano wrote on his X handle: ‘‘Aston Villa are expected to complete agreement on personal terms for Ian Maatsen by the end of the week.

‘‘Negotiations underway over 6-year deal, all progressing well after £37.5m fee agreed with Chelsea.’’

Reports say Chelsea is prepared to let go of some periphery players, such as Maatsen, Romelu Lukaku, and Trevoh Chalobah, to recover funds through outgoing transfers and remain under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.