Chelsea have had a £42m bid rejected by Borussia Dortmund for England Under-21 winger Jamie Gittens, as the London club look to bolster their wide options ahead of the upcoming Club World Cup.
The 20-year-old is understood to be open to a move back to England and already has a long-term contract proposal from Chelsea on the table. Despite Gittens’ interest, negotiations between the two clubs have stalled over valuation.
Gittens, who started his youth career in the Chelsea academy before moving to Manchester City and later Dortmund, is under contract until 2028. He made his Bundesliga debut in 2022 and has since become a regular fixture in the Dortmund squad, scoring eight goals in 32 league games last season.
While new Dortmund manager Niko Kovac reportedly does not see Gittens as a key part of his tactical plans, the club remain reluctant to let him go without a substantial offer. Dortmund’s rejection of Chelsea’s bid reflects their high valuation of Gittens’ potential, especially as the German side continues to invest in young English talent, having just secured Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland in a £31m deal.
Sources close to the deal suggest that Dortmund want closer to £55m for Gittens, while Chelsea are unwilling to meet that price. With the first Club World Cup transfer deadline looming on Tuesday evening, time is running out for a resolution to be reached if Gittens is to join the Blues in time for the tournament.
Chelsea have not yet given up hope of landing the winger. The club is expected to revisit talks with Dortmund either later this week or after the World Cup deadline. If a deal cannot be struck for Gittens, Chelsea have alternative targets, including Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus — both of whom are also highly valued and have attracted interest from other top clubs.
Gittens’ potential return to England comes at a time when Chelsea are looking to rebuild after another underwhelming season. His pace, directness, and eye for goal could make him an ideal addition to the flanks, which have lacked consistency over the past campaign. Despite being just 20, he’s been praised for his maturity and adaptability, traits that Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca values in his young squad.
Gittens’ situation also reflects the broader challenges Chelsea face this summer. The club has struggled to meet the asking prices of several targets. A move for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan also collapsed this week, with Milan asking for £25m despite the France international having only one year left on his contract. Chelsea reportedly value the 29-year-old at about half that figure and have walked away from the deal.
Chelsea’s sporting director Laurence Stewart is expected to continue targeting young, high-upside players, particularly those with resale value or long-term development potential. Gittens, who joined Dortmund from Manchester City in 2020, fits this profile perfectly.
The Blues’ recruitment strategy remains aggressive but financially cautious, with a focus on long-term planning. However, as the Club World Cup draws near and fans await new signings, the pressure is mounting on the club’s hierarchy to deliver top-quality reinforcements — especially in key areas like the wings and goalkeeping.
Whether Gittens becomes part of that rebuild remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Chelsea are not alone in recognising his talent. As transfer talks continue behind closed doors, all eyes will be on Stamford Bridge to see if the Blues can get their man — or if another club swoops in first.
