Arsenal now interested in signing £43m English winger, leading Chelsea in the race - report
Arsenal are leading Chelsea in the race to sign one of Borussia Dortmund’s prized assets this summer, according to German outlet Ruhr Nachrichten.
The Gunners will likely make multiple additions to their frontline for next season. A marquee striker should be the main priority, given the club’s inconsistency upfront.
However, the hierarchy could also pursue a versatile winger to provide competition for places.
Ruhr Nachrichten in Germany claim that Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in landing Gittens, who has his sights on returning to England this summer.
The 20-year-old has repeatedly highlighted in the dressing room that he won’t be at Dortmund next season. His agent has conveyed his stance to the club.
Chelsea have been following him for some time, but Gittens can see himself joining the Gunners. He believes he could get more minutes with Arsenal.
Dortmund are presently one point behind Freiburg in the race for the final Champions League spot in the Bundesliga.
Even if they qualify for the competition, Gittens could be sold for between £43 million and £51 million.
Gittens to Arsenal talk could be agent-driven
The 20-year-old can play on either wing but he is more effective from the left flank.
The England youth international has registered 12 goals and five assists from 46 appearances in all competitions for Dortmund this season.
Aside from his goal involvements, Gittens has grabbed the eye with his fantastic dribbling skills. He has won 2.6 take-ons per Bundesliga game.
The forward has also won 5.2 duels with 2.1 recoveries per league outing.
Gittens has huge potential, but we believe the speculation could be agent-driven rather than Arsenal enquiring for his services.
The youngster is represented by Elite Project Group, who already have Bukayo Saka in their ranks.
The agency are probably looking to bring another candidate to the Gunners during the summer.
Gittens could develop into an elite winger in the long run, but Arsenal could pursue someone with a higher pedigree and proven track record.
Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams comes to our mind. The Spaniard played a big part in his country’s Euro 2024 triumph and scored in the final against England.
He has been long linked with the Gunners, but the club have not made a move thus far.
Manager Mikel Arteta is a big admirer of the 22-year-old, but a deal remains challenging to do due to the £51m release clause and a high wage demand.
Despite this, Arsenal should try their utmost to land his services this summer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
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