Chelsea Fails to Secure Jamie Gittens from Dortmund Before Club World Cup Deadline

Chelsea's attempt to sign England U21 winger Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund before the Club World Cup deadline failed after their final £42 million bid was rejected, with Dortmund holding out for £55 million. Gittens, visibly frustrated, left Dortmund's training ground quickly after learning the deal had collapsed, but he remains hopeful that Chelsea will rekindle talks when the transfer window reopens. Dortmund's sporting director Sebastian Kehl attributed the breakdown to differing valuations and the lateness of Chelsea's bid, emphasizing respectful relations between the clubs. Gittens has now been included in Dortmund's Club World Cup squad, making him ineligible to switch teams for the tournament. Chelsea also missed out on other targets, including AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, as they refused to exceed their valuations, and saw their negotiations for Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike fall through. The Blues are expected to pursue these players again in the upcoming summer window.