Maresca wants to land an attackerplaceholder image
Maresca wants to land an attacker | AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea have been handed a potential transfer blow as they look to sign an attacker.
Chelsea have been handed a fresh problem in their bid to land one of their prime transfer targets this summer. The Blues are currently picking up the pieces after their FIFA Club World Cup defeat to Flamengo on Friday night - a result that will leave them needing a result in their final group stage game.
Enzo Maresca’s men failed to take their chances and later saw Nicolas Jackson sent off for what was a silly challenge. As Chelsea plot how to get back on track in the United States, the club’s chiefs are still trying to get deals over the line as they look to add to the early summer capture of Liam Delap.
Chelsea have been trying for weeks to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, but they have not been able to strike a deal for the 20-year-old, coming up short with their bids. The Blues are said to have had a £42million offer rejected, while Dortmund are said to want around £52million to seal the deal.
Chelsea are still said to be engaged in on and off talks, but they are yet to find a resolution. Dortmund are still willing to do business, but the Blues have suddenly been put on the clock. That’s because Kicker are now reporting that Bayern Munich are expressing an interest in the young wideman.
Bayern need to replace Leroy Sane, who has left at the end of his contract, and it’s reported Gittens is an option, along with Rafael Leao and Cody Gakpo. Nico Williams is also said to be an option, but Barcelona appear to have the upper hand. Bayern chief Max Eberl is said to have returned from the United States in a bid to lead transfer negotiations over the coming weeks. The report adds that Eberl has already held talks with Gittens’ representatives in what will be concerning news to Chelsea.
Latest Dortmund stance
Dortmund chief Sebastian Kehl said this week: “We’ve had one or two conversations with Jamie in the last few days. He’s professional enough to know he has to perform. That’s also in his nature. Jamie will still be very important for us in this tournament. We’ll see what happens after that. But I don’t have a negative opinion of him.”
Kehl had previously said: “There’s been contact with Chelsea, who approached us again yesterday. We had a phone call and spoke about our different expectations and perceptions. At the end of the day, it didn’t go any further because we have different perceptions about the player’s current value. But they were very respectful discussions.
"It was all very respectful, but we’ve got different perceptions and a different stance. We’re pleased Jamie will be part of our Club World Cup and that he’s staying here. We dealt with the approach seriously but made a decision for ourselves. It’s okay that Chelsea made an attempt. I spoke with Jamie before and after. Jamie is completely committed to Borussia Dortmund. He’s grown up here. The club has given him the opportunity to grow. We’re aware of his value for us, but it was a good discussion. Jamie’s excited about the Club World Cup and will give his all for the club."
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