Chelsea ‘want to wrap up deal for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens before Club World Cup’ with Sancho future in doubt
CHELSEA are in talks with Borussia Dortmund to sign Jamie Gittens and want a deal done before the Club World Cup, transfer reports say.
The Blues are in the market for forwards and are set to welcome striker Liam Delap after agreeing a £30million move with Ipswich.
But a winger is also on their wishlist with Dortmund’s Gittens a top priority and both clubs are now in negotiations, according to the Telegraph.
Chelsea inquired about the wideman in January and Dortmund have been braced for summer bids worth £50million – matching his release clause.
It comes amid uncertainty around Jadon Sancho’s future after his loan from Manchester United nears an end.
Chelsea have an obligation to buy him for £25m or pay a £5m penalty to get out of the deal.
Sancho finished the season with five goals in 42 games – including the third in the Blues’ Conference League final win over Real Betis.
But his wages – believed to be around £350,000-a-week – are a stumbling block for any suitor.
Gittens – who spent time at Chelsea’s academy – ended the last campaign with 12 goals in 48 games.
He had spells with Reading and City’s academy before moving to Germany and progressing into Dortmund’s first-team.
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Gittens joins the likes of Sancho and Jude Bellingham to have made their name in the Bundesliga.
He helped Dortmund get to the Champions League final in 2024 – losing to Bellingham’s Real Madrid.
Earlier this season Gittens became the youngest English player to score in the Champion League – aged 20 and 75 days – when he netted against Real Madrid.
Gittens has played for England at youth level – not yet making a senior appearance – but will not play in this summer’s Under-21 Euros.
That is because he is set to travel with Dortmund for the Club World Cup in America – joining Chelsea in the expanded 32-team tournament.
But the Blues are said to want the winger signed by the time they set off for the States.
Chelsea are also linked with United’s Alejandro Garnacho, who is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer.
The West Londoners held talks for the Argentine last January and have also been tracking Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.
Chelsea are also looking to clear out players this summer with Noni Madueke – who scored 11 last season – believed to be on the market.
Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix – who spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan – are other attackers up for sale.
Goalkeepers Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic could also be sold if the right bid comes in.
Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi are all due back from their respective loans but remain out of favour in defence.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu are midfielders with uncertain futures.
And Raheem Sterling, who has two years left on his £325,000-a-week contract – has no future at Chelsea after a disappointing Arsenal loan spell.