Chelsea Nears £50M Deal for Dortmund Winger Jamie Gittens

Chelsea is actively pursuing Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, with personal terms reportedly agreed, but the clubs remain divided over a transfer fee, with Dortmund seeking over £50 million while Chelsea has had a £42 million offer rejected. Gittens, a 20-year-old England Under-21 international, is included in Dortmund's FIFA Club World Cup squad, delaying any potential move until after the competition. Chelsea's head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed the club's intent to sign a left winger this summer following their decision not to make Jadon Sancho's loan move permanent, highlighting Gittens as the primary target. Despite speculation about Noni Madueke's future and reported interest from Newcastle, Maresca affirmed that Madueke remains part of Chelsea's plans for next season, emphasizing the need to strengthen the winger position further. Chelsea's ongoing transfer strategy is influenced by their return to the Champions League, which enhances their budget and transfer prospects, while Maresca also expressed confidence in goalkeeper Robert Sanchez despite interest in Mike Maignan. The club's recent performances, including their FIFA Club World Cup group stage win, have been managed carefully to balance competitiveness with player fitness ahead of a demanding season.