Aston Villa are advancing talks with Ian Maatsen over a new contract as Unai Emery looks to secure the defender’s long-term future.
Villa initially moved to offer Maatsen fresh terms after Manchester United explored his availability towards the end of the summer transfer window.
Those discussions have now progressed.
According to Football Insider, work is taking place behind the scenes to agree a new contract with the Netherlands international.
Maatsen is already tied to Villa until 2030, meaning the talks are not being driven by an immediate contractual problem.
Instead, Villa want to recognise his increasingly important position in Emery’s squad and remove uncertainty following United’s summer interest.
Aston Villa advance Ian Maatsen contract talks
Maatsen’s situation has changed considerably during the summer.
Manchester United investigated whether the left-back could be available before the transfer deadline, but Villa made it clear they had no intention of selling.
The club’s position reflected the increased role Maatsen has taken following Lucas Digne’s departure.
Villa have viewed Maatsen as a potential long-term first-choice left-back and his status has strengthened further during the opening weeks of the new season.
Villa also signed Matteo Ruggeri to provide competition on the left, rather than replacing Maatsen.
The Italian arrived from Atletico Madrid as Emery rebuilt his defensive options following several high-profile departures.
That competition has not prevented Maatsen from becoming a significant part of Emery’s plans.
Football Insider reports that Villa now want to reward his increased role and deter renewed interest from Manchester United or other clubs.
Manchester United interest strengthens Villa stance
United’s enquiry never developed into formal negotiations over a transfer.
Villa’s stance was firm and Maatsen ultimately remained at Villa Park beyond the deadline.
The 24-year-old originally joined Villa from Chelsea for around £37.5million in 2024 and signed a six-year contract.
He made 44 appearances across all competitions last season but often competed with Digne for starts.
That hierarchy has now changed.
Maatsen has been given greater responsibility following Digne’s exit and has become one of Emery’s key defensive options during Villa’s rebuilt 2026/27 campaign.
His importance was also highlighted when the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents panel recently ruled that Arsenal should have been penalised for a challenge on Maatsen during Villa’s defeat at the Emirates.
We covered the decision in our report on the Premier League panel confirming the Aston Villa VAR error.
Villa’s decision to advance contract talks now sends another clear message about Maatsen’s future.
There is no immediate pressure created by his existing deal.
This is instead about securing an increasingly important player, rewarding his new status and making sure another club cannot easily test Villa’s resolve in a future transfer window.
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