Chelsea hold an interest in Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens before the Club World Cup commences on June 14 amid reports signing a left-winger is a ‘priority’ for Enzo Maresca’s side.
The 20-year-old Englishman, who was born in London, is just the latest homegrown talent to flourish in Germany with Dortmund.
After starting out in Reading’s academy before a brief spell in Chelsea’s system, Gittens made the move to Manchester City. But, having seen Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho given chances to flourish in Dortmund, the winger chose to make the switch to the Bundesliga in 2020.
He broke into the first-team in the 2022/23 season but it is the past two campaigns where Gittens has begun to make his mark.
In 2023/24, he appeared in the Champions League final against Real Madrid and despite their fourth-placed finish this year, Gittens has managed to cement his place in the first-team.
The 20-year-old bagged 12 goals and four assists across all competitions and he is highly thought of in the England set-up.
The Telegraph reported that Gittens’ performances have not been lost on the Blues and there is a desire to get the deal done before both teams head to the Club World Cup in a fortnight.
It is claimed that Chelsea are ready to activate Gittens’ £50m release clause to ensure a smooth purchase this summer.
It was claimed in the Mirror over the weekend that signing a left-winger is a ‘priority’ for Chelsea, who are reportedly set to hold talks with Hugo Ekitike this week.
The Mirror also reports on the latest on Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokerers, saying the Blues are ‘admirers’ of both.
football.londonreported on Monday that Chelsea enquired about Gittens in the January transfer window and have returned this summer to try and sign the forward. The push to bring in the 20-year-old comes as Maresca prepares to welcome Liam Delap to Stamford Bridge.
Ipswich Town’s striker is currently undergoing the final stages of his medical at the club. As for Gittens, he was not included in Lee Carsley’s squad for the U21 Euros because the Club World Cup takes priority over internationals.
It is therefore expected that if Gittens signs before the tournament kicks off in the USA, he will feature for the Blues.
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