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Maresca wants new attackers | Getty Images
Chelsea are still said to be prioritising at attacker deal while they compete in the United States.
Chelsea are still said to be in a good position to complete one of their priority attacking signings, although they have work to do to get the deal over the line. The Blues made a quick start to the early transfer window, signing Liam Delap on a £30million, although they fell short of landing a goalkeeper.
The early window is now shut as Chelsea compete in the FIFA Club World Cup, but but the club will still be working on deals ready for when it does reopen, and it’s reported that a winger is their current priority.
Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens appears to be the winger target, with Enzo Maresca wanting better competition for Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke. With the Blues deciding not to sign Jadon Sancho permanently, Chelsea have a slot to fill out wide, and it seems they want Gittens to fill it.
Chelsea are said to have come up short in their efforts to land the 20-year-old, yet to meet Dortmund’s valuation, but talks will resume, according to Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl, who said: “Obviously there were some talks with Chelsea, several contacts with them, at the end we couldn’t find a solution at that moment to agree, so yeah, let me see what will happen after the World Cup.
“But we are very happy that Jamie is with us, he is an incredible player who can play different positions, he is still young and for that reason I think he is still pretty happy to be here, but I don’t know what will happen in the transfer window after the 1st of July.”
In the meantime, Florian Plettenberg has now reported that Chelsea are continuing their focus on Gittens due to an agreement they have in place with a player. He posted on X: “Yes, Chelsea have enquired about Malick #Fofana. He is one of the names on their shortlist. #CFC However, the main priority remains Jamie #Gittens. There is still a verbal agreement in place. However, it remains unclear whether an agreement with Borussia Dortmund can be reached, as they are demanding €65m including bonuses for Gittens.”
Dortmund are said to be holding out for £55.5million for Gittens, while Chelsea bid significantly less than that.
Options slipping away
Aside from Gittens, Chelsea don’t have too many options when it comes to a winger signing, although Malick Fofana is now said to be an option. Nico Williams has previously been linked with Chelsea, but it looks as though FC Barcelona are now favourites for that deal.
Plettenberg added: “BREAKING | FC Barcelona currently have the best chances in the race for Nico #Williams – ahead of FC Bayern, Arsenal, and Chelsea. Important new negotiations have taken place over the past 24 hours! Joan Laporta is now assessing whether a transfer is feasible and if Williams can be registered. If Barcelona get the green light, the move is expected to go ahead. Hansi Flick is determined to sign Williams. Bayern have been informed and are now waiting to see if Barcelona can complete the transfer.”
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