Mauricio Pochettino has been unable to guarantee Ian Maatsen first team opportunities this season (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea have triggered a clause in Ian Maatsen’s contract and extended his deal by 12 months amid reported interest from Barcelona.

According to The Evening Standard, the highly-rated left-back has, according to The Evening Standard, rejected two new contract offers from Chelsea amid concerns over a lack of first team opportunities.

Chelsea accepted a £31.5million off from Burnley, where the 21-year-old spent last season on loan, on transfer deadline day only for Maatsen to reject a move to the Clarets.

The Netherlands Under-21 international wanted to stay and fight for his place but opportunities have been in relatively short supply, despite the serious injury suffered by Ben Chilwell.

Mauricio Pochettino has preferred to deploy Levi Colwill in an unfamiliar role, with Maatsen’s only starts coming in the Carabao Cup.

Ian Maatsen’s only starts so far this season have come in the Carabao Cup (Picture: Getty)

Barcelona have been monitoring the defender’s situation and would have been able to open negotiations over a free transfer in January had Chelsea not taken the option to extend Maatsen’s deal until 2025.

Maatsen is again expected to be on the bench for Saturday’s London derby against Arsenal ahead of which Pochettino is sweating on the fitness of several key players.

With Reece James struggling to be fit enough to make his return, Chelsea on Wednesday confirmed that both Trevoh Chalobah and midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has suffered setbacks.

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A statement read: ‘Defender Trevoh Chalobah and midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka have both suffered recent setbacks in their bid to return from respective injuries sustained earlier this season.

‘The duo will now go under further review before continuing their rehabilitation at Cobham with the club’s medical staff.’

Armando Broja, too, is carrying a knock and will start on the bench at best with Nicolas Jackson likely to start in attack, albeit wearing a protective cast on his wrist following a small operation.

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The youngster is now under contract until 2025.