Chelsea are reportedly focusing on improving their left flank this summer with a host of options considered as part of the ongoing transfer window.
The Blues have the added pull factor of playing in the UEFA Champions League next season and they need to bolster an inexperienced squad.
As part of his talent search, Enzo Maresca has identified Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens as a primary target, with Chelsea making real strides in pursuit of the 20-year-old after agreeing personal terms with him as part of a contract until 2032.
However, Dortmund rejected Chelsea’s initial bid of €35m [$40m] with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming the Blues are preparing an improved offer as Maresca feels he can solve Chelsea’s issues in a key area.
Chelsea are also under pressure due to the June 10 deadline to register players for the FIFA Club World Cup as Maresca wants Gittens in his lineup for the tournament, but the deal is not yet complete.
Gittens’ profile fits well inside Maresca’s style of play – with Noni Madueke still inconsistent – and Chelsea could sell the England international.
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Chelsea are close to getting the deal done, with the Blues around €5m [$5.7m] short of Dortmund’s demands, with the final total including performance-based add-ons for the England U21 international.
Who is Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens?
Gittens is the latest English star to develop his playing career in Dortmund. The youngster featured for several clubs – including Chelsea – during his youth team days, before two years in Manchester City ahead of moving to Dortmund in 2020.
His eye-catching performances in the UEFA Youth League propelled him into the senior team and he made made his Bundesliga debut in April 2022.
The 20-year-old is still developing, but he finished the 2024/25 season with 12 goals scored across all competitions.
Gittens also follows Maresca’s strategy of bringing in young talent to Stamford Bridge and he could form a deadly link up with England U21 teammate Liam Delap.
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