Chelsea continue to work on a deal for Jamie Gittens.placeholder image
Chelsea continue to work on a deal for Jamie Gittens. | AFP via Getty Images
Bayern Munich had been tipped to hijack a Chelsea transfer but the Blues need not be worried.
The Blues were said to be plotting a swoop for the 20-year-old ahead of the Club World Cup but were unable to finalise terms with the German giants in time for that tournament. However, that does not mean that Chelsea have given up the chase.
In his latest round up for The Athletic, transfer specialist David Ornstein has labelled the links as ‘one to watch’ in an enticing update. He believes that an agreement is to be reached ‘swiftly’, despite reports of Bayern Munich interest in the player.
Chelsea still favourites for Jamie Gittens transfer
It’s added that Gittens ‘favours’ a move to Stamford Bridge and remains ‘fully committed’ to working under Enzo Maresca. The winger has already agreed a seven-year contract with the London outfit and is now just awaiting a transfer price to be agreed between Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund. Those club to club talks are said to have been helped by the fact that both teams are currently competing at the Club World Cup.
It’s reassuring news after a potential Bayern Munich hijack had been touted last week. Kicker claimed that, in wanting to replace the out of contract Leroy Sane, Bayern Munich could move for Gittens. It was claimed that the German club’s chief Max Eberl had held talks with Gittens’ representatives.
Dortmund chief Sebastian Kehl said last 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.”
Chelsea interest in Gittens confirmed by Dortmund
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."
In other news, Chelsea Transfer Round-Up: 'Complete' striker could replace Nicolas Jackson as West Ham want Blues star.
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