Jamie Gittens to Chelsea transfer twist as Enzo Maresca eyes Alejandro Garnacho alternative

Chelsea appear to have expanded their search for a new winger after missing out on Jamie Gittens. The Borussia Dortmund winger was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge earlier this week as Enzo Maresca looked to strengthen his frontline ahead of the Club World Cup.

football.london understands that the Blues wanted to wrap up a deal for the 20-year-old in time for the tournament later this month. But, Chelsea chose not to rush negotiations, with the Bundesliga outfit driving a hard bargain.

It’s understood that the England Under-21 international informed Dortmund of his desire to join the west Londoners after they rejected a £42m bid on Tuesday afternoon. football.london understands that Chelsea are expected to revisit negotiations for Gittens.

In the meantime, the Blues appear to have added another winger to their shortlist. According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have ‘fallen in love’ with Jesus Rodriguez from Real Betis, and they’re hopeful of wrapping up a deal this summer.

The 19-year-old winger has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the past following his impressive performances in La Liga. Rodriguez, who sees his contract at the Benito Villamarín Stadium expire in June 2029, has featured 21 times in La Liga this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

Despite not featuring in Manuel Pellegrini’s side until December, the teenager helped Real Betis finish in seventh place and secure qualification to the Europa League. Rodriguez also fired the Seville-based outfit to the latter stages of the Conference League, finding the net in the quarter-final.

The Spain Under-21 international, who the Daily Mail have compared to Alejandro Garnacho, enjoyed half an hour or so off the bench against Chelsea in the final of the competition last month as Enzo Maresca’s side waltzed away 4-1 victors.

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In a recent interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Maresca addressed the Blues’ spending and likened his project to that of Luis Enrique’s at Paris Saint-Germain. The Chelsea boss said: “Chelsea spend a lot, but now invest more wisely, following the direction of modern football.

“The club spent a lot on Enzo Fernandez and [Moises] Caicedo, but nobody remembers that because of how much they have improved. In the past, they would spend lots on players who were over 30 and already gave their best.”

On PSG, who defeated Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final last month, Maresca said: “The Champions League Final showed the domination of a young team, capable of great technical football expressed with an extraordinary tempo, energy, pressing and attacking talent.

“Luis Enrique has built a spectacular PSG and, in my own small way – I am trying to do the same at Chelsea,” added Maresca. “Chelsea spent money to build a squad of very young talent.

“But it didn’t stop us beating the record for academy players promoted to the senior squad. We have faith in them all…”