Borussia Dortmund have played hardball with Jamie Gittens, but the winger could finally be set to join Chelsea.
For Dortmund, it has never been a matter of not wanting to do business with their English counterparts. Dortmund have entertained discussions with Chelsea over Gittens, but the Blues have refused to meet the German club’s valuation of the player.
It has resulted in drawn-out negotiations, but a deal still looks very likely because Dortmund are prepared to part ways with the 20-year-old.
Bayern Munich are also interested in Gittens, but his heart appears to be set on a move to Chelsea.
Jamie Gittens of Borussia Dortmund looks on before the UEFA Champions League Knockout phase play-offs 1st leg match between Sporting CP and Borussia Dortmund
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/JAR Sport Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Jamie Gittens not seen as tactical fit for Niko Kovac
At one point, Gittens looked almost untouchable at Dortmund. It was thought that Dortmund wanted £84m for Gittens when Premier League clubs started to register serious interest in signing him.
However, it now looks like Chelsea will purchase the England Under-21 international for something closer to half of that price.
According to talkSPORT, Dortmund are willing to offload Gittens now because he is not seen as a “tactical fit” for Niko Kovac’s side.
Jamie Gittens under Niko Kovac Total
Appearances 19
Goals 1
Assists 0
Via Transfermarkt
Their loss is almost certain to be Chelsea’s gain, though, with the Conference League winners screaming out for a new winger.
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They no longer have Jadon Sancho to count on following the decision not to make his loan move from Manchester United permanent. They are also still without Mykhailo Mudryk, who is currently banned from football.
It has left sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley scouring the market for left wingers, with Gittens at the top of their list.
Chelsea sporting director Paul Winstanley looks on during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Newcastle
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Jamie Gittens to Chelsea imminent
It may not be too long before Stewart and Winstanley finally get their man. It has been reported that Gittens to Chelsea could be imminent.
The former Manchester City youth player will not be able to play at the Club World Cup, but Maresca should at least have him available for pre-season.