Atalanta are reportedly eyeing a summer move for 23-year-old Aston Villa full-back Ian Maatsen.

According to Tutto Atalanta, Serie A giants, Atalanta are setting their sights on strengthening the left flank this summer, and Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen has emerged as their top target. The 23-year-old Dutchman offers a rare blend of pace, technical skill, and tactical awareness, making him an attractive option for the Italians.

Naturally left-footed but versatile enough to operate on the right when required, Maatsen is comfortable pushing high up the pitch or dropping deeper to provide defensive cover. His adaptability would fit neatly into Atalanta’s high-energy, fluid system, a style that demands players capable of influencing both ends of the pitch.

A player on the rise

Maatsen’s journey to prominence has been a gradual one. While he showed glimpses of quality at Aston Villa, his opportunities were limited due to the consistent form of Lucas Digne. The real breakthrough came in early 2024 when he joined Borussia Dortmund on loan.

In just six months in Germany, Maatsen cemented himself as a regular starter, playing a pivotal role in Dortmund’s run to the Champions League final against Real Madrid. His composure on the biggest stage showcased both his maturity and his readiness for top-level football. He eventually completed a move to Aston Villa in a £37.5 million deal that saw him enjoy regular Premier League football.

March 2024 brought another career milestone as Maatsen made his debut for the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League. The occasion was made even more memorable when he marked his first appearance with a goal against Spain, a statement of intent on the international scene.

Already accustomed to the intensity of high-pressure matches, Maatsen has shown he can handle both domestic and European challenges. That experience, combined with his age, makes him an enticing long-term investment for any club looking to compete at the highest level.

A good fit for Atalanta?

For Atalanta, the pursuit of Maatsen is about more than filling a position, it is about raising their competitive ceiling. With European football once again on the horizon, Ivan Juric is eager to add players who can bring both athleticism and intelligence to his tactical setup.

Maatsen’s ability to seamlessly transition between attack and defence, along with his proven track record in elite competitions, aligns perfectly with the club’s push to remain a force in Serie A and beyond.

Negotiations are still at an early stage, but if Atalanta can secure Maatsen’s signature, it would represent a statement of intent ahead of the new campaign, and a potential game-changer down the left flank.