Fulham FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Enzo Maresca has already strengthened his Chelsea squad (Picture: Getty)
Borussia Dortmund have rejected Chelsea’s opening £35m offer for Jamie Gittens, according to reports in Germany.
Chelsea are targeting Gittens, 20, as they look to bolster Enzo Maresca’s attacking options ahead of the 2025-26 season.
The Blues already have a number of talented forwards at Stamford Bridge but are open to offers for many of those, including England international Noni Madueke.
Chelsea also decided to pay a £5m penalty to Manchester United in order to avoid signing Jadon Sancho on a permanent transfer.
Gittens just enjoyed his best season to date at Dortmund, scoring 12 goals in all competitions.
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The England U21 star had a brief spell in Chelsea’s academy as a youngster before spending time at Reading and Manchester City.
Gittens is keen to return to England and has verbally agreed a deal with Chelsea ahead of the Club World Cup.
RB Leipzig v Borussia Dortmund- 1. Bundesliga
Chelsea want to sign Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund (Picture: Getty)
But the Premier League club’s initial offer of €35m (£29.5m) has been knocked back by Bundesliga side Dortmund, according to Sky Sports.
Despite the disappointment for Chelsea, negotiations are ongoing and the Blues are preparing to return with an improved bid.
Borussia Dortmund have indicated they are holding out for €50-60m (£42-50m) for the winger, who attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United earlier in the year.
Chelsea make progress over Mike Maignan transfer
Chelsea are working on a deal for Gittens while pushing to sign France No. 1 Mike Maigan from AC Milan.
The Blues were expected to stick with Robert Sanchez despite a difficult season at Stamford Bridge but have been alerted to the opportunity to sign Maignan for a relatively small fee.
More to follow…
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