Chelsea star Ian Maatsen looks to have doubled down on an exit from Stamford Bridge after limited game time under Mauricio Pochettino this season.

The left-back has appeared in just seven Premier League matches but he's been limited to cameo minutes so far this season. Despite starting against AFC Wimbledon and Brighton in the Carabao Cup, the youngster is not satisfied with his playing time since returning to the Blues.

The 23-year-old spent a season-long loan at Burnley last season under Vincent Kompany, but declined to return there in the summer, despite Chelsea being open to selling the defender. At the time, the star cited that he wanted to fight for his place under Pochettino, but that appears to have changed in recent weeks.

Over the summer, the club activated a clause in his contract which automatically extended it by one year, but now the star looks set to leave after attracting attention from other clubs across Europe. Spanish giants Barcelona have been linked with Maatsen, but Pochettino has previously claimed the young star was in his plans.

In an interview with the club's official website over the summer, the 51-year-old said: "Yes I am so happy with him. He is a player that can play in different positions. His quality, his understanding of the game, he is a clever player. I am so happy with him so far.

"So far he is in my plans. I am so pleased with him, I told you before, I am so pleased because he is a player whose attitude, commitment and understanding of the game, we can use in different positions. That is a good thing for the team and for a coach. It is good to have this type of player."

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However, with vice-captain Ben Chilwell out with a hamstring injury, the Blues boss has ended up turning to Marc Cucurella to cover for him, with Maatsen relegated to the bench consistently. Because of that, the 23-year-old has opened up about his future at Chelsea and is keeping his options open, as he confirmed to AD.

He said: "I still think it’s possible to play more at Chelsea. Accepting [you won’t play] is difficult; as a young boy, you always want more. I get confidence from the manager’s words and am ready when the opportunity comes.

"Meanwhile, I have to keep all options open. Maybe I’ll have to make a difficult decision later on, but then Chelsea will also let me know."