The pool of available left wingers just got a little shallower for Max Eberl and Bayern Munich.
Chelsea are now understood to be closing in on a permanent deal to bring Jamie Gittens to Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
FC Bayern were prepared to take action to stand in the way of the transaction. However, it seems their efforts may have come a little too late.
Bayern attempted Jamie Gittens transfer hijack
Jamie Gittens dribbles between two Barcelona players.
(Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Another target bites the dust for the Bavarian giants.
The club’s director of sport, Max Eberl, also contacted the decision-makers at Borussia Dortmund to express Bayern Munich’s interest in the deal.
Unfortunately for the 51-year-old, the Bundesliga champions were informed they’d arrived too late to the transfer party.
It’s also been alleged that the figures Bayern offered fell below Chelsea’s offer for Gittens. The Blues are paying a transfer fee of up to €65m [£55.3m], including bonuses, for the attacker.
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Chelsea have won the battle but Bayern may win the war
There is still a chance that Bayern could end up with their ideal target, Nico Williams, for the left wing position.
There’s no question that Gittens is a talent worth keeping an eye on. However, in comparison to the electric Athletico Bilbao winger, the Englishman looks comparatively more raw.
In fact, it’s our understanding here at CF Bayern Insider that the impending Chelsea signing was the second-choice option on the shortlist behind Williams.
Players Minutes played (all competitions) Goal contributions (all competitions) xG per 90 xA per 90
Jamie Gittens 2,803 17 0.18 0.20
Nico Williams 3,130 18 0.18 0.18
* Unless otherwise stated, stats cover Bundesliga and La Liga minutes in the 2024/25 campaign
Bayern still hold out hope that they’ve a chance of winning the La Liga star’s signature amid negotiations between the Spanish international and Barcelona.
The Blaugrana remain the 22-year-old’s first choice. That said, it still remains to be seen whether or not Barça can satisfy the financial requirements of the deal.
If they can’t, Vincent Kompany’s side is sure to play a prominent role in negotiations, and Munich should be a viable destination for Nico Williams.
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