Chelsea secure future of 18-year-old academy starlet Ian Maatsen

Chelsea have secured the future of another of their best academy starlets by finalising a new deal for left back Ian Maatsen.

Maatsen, who turns 18 today, has celebrated his birthday by signing a new, initial four-and-half year contract.

The deal also includes an option to extend the Dutch youngster’s stay at Stamford Bridge by a further 12 months until 2025.

Ian Maatsen signed a new deal at Chelsea on Tuesday morning – the day of his 18th birthday

The talented left back celebrates after scoring for Chelsea against Wolves in the FA Youth Cup

Maatsen joined Chelsea in 2018 from PSV Eindhoven and has made a big impression and rapid progress, earning his first-team debut this season in September’s 7-1 Carabao Cup win against Grimsby.

Of all the players manager Frank Lampard has handed senior debuts to Maatsen is the youngest, further underlining his potential and Chelsea’s hopes for him.

Maatsen said: ‘Happy for myself and my family to be able to extend my contact today for this beautiful club Chelsea on my birthday. I want to thank everyone who has supported me all these years, to this day. The journey continues.’

Chelsea are planning changes in the left-back department this summer with Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso’s futures in doubt.

Leicester’s Ben Chilwell a leading target to start next season as their new first choice but Maatsen’s part in the club’s plans as a long-term option for the position is secure.

He is expected to stay at the club next term and remain part of Lampard’s first team setup as a third consecutive year on Chelsea’s books will make him eligible to qualify as a homegrown player having joined aged 16.

Maatsen has been rewarded for his fine progress, two years after joining from PSV Eindhoven

Tino Anjorin, who made his Premier League debut on Sunday, is also close to a new contract

Chelsea have been on a drive to tie down their best young prospects since Lampard’s arrival as manager in the summer.

Callum Hudson-Odoi, Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Fikayo Tomori, Reece James, Marc Guehi and Billy Gilmour have also signed fresh terms.

Attacking midfielder Tino Anjorin, who made his Premier League debut against Everton on Sunday, is also close to signing a new contract that will run until 2024.

Striker Armando Broja, who also made his top-flight bow in the 4-0 Everton thumping, signed his first professional contract last month

Chelsea, meanwhile, remain in talks to reach an agreement with top scorer Tammy Abraham.