Despite rising discontent earlier this year, Chelsea ended the season on a high note by winning the Europa Conference League and qualifying for next season’s Champions League. It looks set to be a busy summer for the Stamford Bridge club, with Liam Delap reportedly on the verge of joining. Now, according to Mike McGrath at The Telegraph, Chelsea are in talks with Borussia Dortmund to sign England Under-21 international winger Jamie Gittens.
Chelsea in Talks for England Under 21 International Jamie Gittens
Chelsea Look to Strengthen Squad Ahead of Club World Cup
Chelsea took a step forward this season, despite some low moments in the middle part of the season. The signing of Liam Delap will provide Enzo Maresca with another option in the striker role for the next campaign, but it appears the Italian coach wants to improve his options out wide.
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The report from McGrath mentions that the two teams are in talks about a potential deal and want to “wrap up a deal before both clubs go to the Club World Cup.” McGrath also mentions that Chelsea wanted the winger in January, but have now made an official approach in this transfer window.
What Gittens Move Could Mean for Jadon Sancho
This could signal the end of Jadon Sancho’s time at Chelsea. If wage negotiations fail, Chelsea might send him back to Manchester United, but they would have to pay a £5 million penalty, as first reported by The Athletic.
Should Chelsea decide to sign Sancho and pay the £25 million obligation-to-buy fee, it remains unclear whether this would end their interest in Gittens.
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Gittens is great with the ball at his feet and has the ability to go past players, which is something Chelsea have lacked this season. He stays wide and maintains his shape, which is great when the team needs an outlet, something Maresca wants from his wingers.
According to the report in The Telegraph and others, Chelsea’s interest in the 20-year-old is genuine. Maresca will know him from their time together in the Manchester City academy, making the deal logical for several reasons.
