Chelsea seems to have broadened their winger hunt after losing out on Jamie Gittens. Earlier this week, the Borussia Dortmund winger was strongly linked to a move to Stamford Bridge as Enzo Maresca sought to bolster his front line in anticipation of the Club World Cup.
The Blues intended to finalize a deal for the 20-year-old in time for the competition later this month, as football.london understands. However, Chelsea decided not to expedite the talks because the Bundesliga team was demanding a high price.
After Dortmund turned down a £42 million proposal on Tuesday afternoon, the England Under-21 player reportedly told them he wanted to join the west London team. According to football.london, Chelsea is anticipated to reopen Gittens’ negotiations.
It looks like the Blues have added another winger to their shortlist in the interim. Chelsea is reportedly hoping to finalize a transfer this summer after falling in love with Real Betis’s Jesus Rodriguez, according to the Daily Mail.
Dortmund leave door open for Gittens’ future deal
Dortmund had turned down an original bid of €35 million for Gittens a few days prior, according to multiple media sources. It is said that Dortmund is requesting around €60 million for the winger. The Black and Yellows rejected a second €50 million offer on Tuesday, highlighting those demands.
According to reports from England, Chelsea believed Dortmund would be persuaded by the offer. Those hopes were promptly dashed when Dortmund not only rejected the deal but also raised their demands to €65 million. Chelsea and Gittens have already reached a personal terms agreement for a deal that will last until 2032.
Dortmund and Chelsea are still in the running for a deal when the regular window starts on July 1st, even if they are unable to reach an agreement before the special FIFA transfer window for the Club World Cup closes tonight at 7 p.m. BST. Chelsea is known for playing for time.
The London club could now hope that Dortmund will reduce their demands after the competition in the United States, as they did not necessarily plan with Gittens for the Club World Cup. Dortmund may require funding to bolster their team after announcing earlier today that they have signed Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland.
