Since the start of the summer transfer window, Chelsea have been heavily linked with the potential transfer of [Jamie Gittens](https://theprideoflondon.com/fabrizio-romano-drops-35m-jamie-gittens-chelsea-news) from Borussia Dortmund. The 20-year-old winger, known for his burst of pace and tricky dribbling, has caused the Blues to put in an offer.
Chelsea have a shortlist of left wingers they are interested in. But here are the reasons the club are so focused on signing Gittens from Borussia Dortmund.
Market Opportunity
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In BlueCo's first few seasons, they were involved in intense and highly publicised negotiations for high-profile players. But now, the new ownership has made it clear that they will prioritise market opportunities during transfer windows, contrary to overpays and lengthy negotiations.
While there will still be large fees paid to clubs, the sporting directors are diligently searching for priority players who have the ability to move clubs for either reduced fees or clear exit pathways. While Gittens has been a rising star for Borussia Dortmund, their new manager, Niko Kovac, plays with a style of football that has seen the Englishman's role deteriorate.
Since Kovac’s arrival Gittens only started in five out of the 15 remaining Bundisliga matches despite starting 16 of the 19 matches under former manager Nuri Sahin. This decrease in role has seen both the club and the player eyeing an exit.
Kovac’s system relies on inside forwards as opposed to touchline wingers, such as Gittens, who prefers to beat his man wide in one-on-one situations. This key differential in philosophy has given him the pathway to find a move and manager, such as Enzo Maresca, who matches his play style.
Underlying Metrics
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Despite his reduced gametime down the stretch of the season, Gittens still established himself with excellent metrics when compared to other wingers in the Bundesliga. He finished with the second-most dribbles in the league (77) and most carries into the box (63), both of which exemplify his style of direct wing play.
Gittens plays with a sense of confidence that Maresca has been screaming for from his wingers, specifically from Jadon Sancho, whom he wanted to play with directness and shoot more often. He is now headed back to Manchester United.
Contrary to Sancho, Gittens is very happy to have a shot at goal, as seen by their shots per 90-minute comparison. The latter took 1.8 versus the former's 0.6.
Additionally to his successful usage of dribbles, he also attempts them at a frequency that is rivaled by few in the world at any age, and by virtually none in his age bracket. In the previous season he attempted a dribble every five touches, in comparison Lamine Yamal did the same every 6.5. While this statistic is not a direct correlation to potential G/A output, it does exemplify the confidence he plays with and it aligns perfectly with the direct winger play Maresca desires.
Gittens' end product, while still unrefined, has been proven to be productive. This previous season in the Bundesliga, he collected 11 G/A in 1798 minutes, resulting in a goal contribution every 163 minutes of game time. However, this number was more efficient earlier in the season under his preferred playing style, where he saw 10 of his 11 contributions in the first 19 matches.
Additionally he scored 8 goals on an xG of just 3.6. That shows his ability to score outside of clear-cut chances.
Nationality and Age
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The final piece to Chelsea's desire to sign the player is his English nationality and 20 years of age. The board have proven that potential for development and future transfer value are fundamental to the transfer strategy, and Gittens aligns perfectly. This strategy mitigates risk, as if transfers don't succeed, the board can part with the player and recoup the funds for the replacement.
While not as important to the club's plans, English nationality will always be a welcome addition. This is because these players are often beloved by supporters, as well as they have a greater chance of adjusting to life at the club and in London. Also, do not forget about homegrown quotas.