Maresca wants attacking signingsMaresca wants attacking signings
Maresca wants attacking signings | Getty Images
Chelsea are said to have suffered a setback in their bid to land a new winger this summer.
Chelsea are said to have been hit with a setback in their reported bid to land a new winger this summer, but it’s not all bad news. The Blues need a number of new signings this summer, and they have already started making headway.
Enzo Maresca and his recruitment staff have already wrapped up the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for £30million. Chelsea have until Tuesday night to add any more signings before the FIFA Club World Cup, and the usual summer transfer window will swing back open later this month.
Chelsea appear to have zeroed in on one clear winger target, with Borussia Dortmund wideman Jamie Gittens said to be the priority. In fact, it has been reported that the Blues have already submitted a bid, but Fabrizio Romano says that bid was quickly rejected. The report claims Chelsea offered €35million (£29.4million), an offer that was dismissed. Dortmund are said to want €50million (£42.1million). The good news, though, is that Fabrice Hawkins is reporting that Chelsea have agreed a seven-year deal with Gittens, now missing the agreement with Dortmund.
That would take a significant increase on Chelsea’s part, but they know the talent they are bidding for. Gittens is only 20 years of age and he has already managed 76 league appearances for one of the best clubs in Europe.
Former Dortmund boss Nuri Sahin said of Gittens: "You need 1-on-1 players who have speed. He's maturing in his game. We talk a lot about risk and reward. When do I go into the 1-on-1, when do I prepare for it? When he gets rolling, he's a fantastic player. He's also made huge strides defensively.”
It is worth noting, however, that the youngster has struggled under Niko Kovac, who took over during last season. When asked about Gittens’ drop of form during the season, Kovac explained: "Jamie Gittens was totally focused and lively during training. I have a luxury problem in this position. Everyone has to step on the gas, but I am leaving that open for the game on Saturday.”
The reality is that at 20 years of age, there are always going to be peaks and valleys for Gittens, with true consistency hard to find for even mature players, especially at such a high level. That’s the risk Chelsea would be taking by signing such a young player over a more proven commodity, such as Nico Williams, for example.
But Chelsea have been steering their ship firmly in the direction of young players, and they are committed to that cause. By doing that, they are likely to get a cheaper deal, especially when you factor in wages, and there is no doubt that Gittens has a big upside given his youth and early experience at the top level. The winger is likely to find himself competing with Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto if he does complete the switch.
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