Chelsea failed in their attempts to sign Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund during the first transfer window of the summer.
Chelsea made two bids for Gittens, but both were unsuccessful. It means the Blues head into the Club World Cup extremely light in the wide positions.
With Gittens remaining at Dortmund and Jadon Sancho returning to Manchester United, Chelsea will fly to America with Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto and Tyrique George as their only winger options.
They were at least able to add Liam Delap to their squad, giving Enzo Maresca another body up front.
Photo by Ralf Ibing - firo sportphoto/Getty Images
Photo by Ralf Ibing – firo sportphoto/Getty Images
Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund couldn’t agree on structure of Jamie Gittens deal
It has been reported that Chelsea are considering signing Antonio Nusa, but Gittens is the winger they really want after making two offers for him.
While the Conference League winners were unable to land his signature in the end, it does not look like they were too far away from agreeing a deal with Dortmund.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed on X that Chelsea actually met Dortmund’s valuation of the player. The problem was both clubs could not agree on the structure of the deal, hence why it collapsed.
It is a blow for Maresca, who must now make do with just Madueke, Neto and George. Of course, Cole Palmer can also play on the right, so that could be another option for the Chelsea manager.
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
As well as Gittens and Nusa, it is thought that Chelsea also have Alejandro Garnacho on their shortlist of winger targets.
Photo by CORNELIUS POPPE/NTB/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by CORNELIUS POPPE/NTB/AFP via Getty Images
Whether Chelsea will return for Jamie Gittens
Chelsea will not have Gittens for their Club World Cup campaign, but the Blues could have him for the 2025/26 Premier League season.
According to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, Chelsea will try to sign Gittens again when the transfer window reopens next Monday.
The expectation is that Gittens will move to Stamford Bridge this summer. Chelsea fans just have to be patient.