Chelsea move one step closer to Jamie Gittens transfer after £27m agreement reached

Chelsea have moved one step closer to signing Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, launching a new bid shortly after the German club completed the transfer of Jobe Bellingham.

The 19-year-old has followed in the footsteps of his brother Jude, making the move to Germany from Sunderland.

Jobe has signed a five-year deal with the Bundesliga giants in a transfer worth €32million (£27m) plus €5m (£4.2m) in add-ons.

Shortly after Dortmund’s announcement, Fabrizio Romano reported that Chelsea launched a new proposal worth €50m (£42m). The Blues’ opening offer of €35m (£29.5m) was rejected.

The Italian journalist states the club’s aim is to complete the deal before Tuesday’s 7pm deadline ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup but will continue negotiations even after the window shuts.

Jobe’s arrival at Dortmund could well clear the path for Gittens to complete his move away from the club, potentially moving him one step closer to sealing his Chelsea transfer in the process.

The transfer window will close at 7pm and reopen on Monday, June 16.

The Blues are believed to have contacted the player’s entourage to put out feelers before the summer in January.

Sky Germany have reported that Borussia Dortmund are seeking a fee between €50–60million (£42–50m), having already turned down an offer from Chelsea just shy of €35million (£30million).

The player is still said to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, with a verbal agreement reportedly in place.

The 20-year-old is a product of the Manchester City academy having also spent time at Chelsea and Reading during his youth.

It is in Germany where he has developed the most, into a tricky left-sided attacker.

Chelsea and Dortmund will both be in action the Club World Cup this month, where they will each be based, at least partially, in Fort Lauderdale during the group stages.

Enzo Maresca’s team will spend time at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, a suburb in Florida.