Chelsea’s move for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens could be wrapped up ‘imminently’ as the two clubs’ representatives continue negotiations at the Club World Cup.
The Blues hope to add a new winger this summer following Jadon Sancho’s departure and Mykhailo Mudryk’s suspension.
Gittens, 20, emerged as a target early in the transfer window, and Chelsea came close to agreeing a deal for the player ahead of the Club World Cup, but ultimately fell short after failing to agree a price.
Standard Sport reported on Tuesday that he remains a top priority transfer despite Bayern Munich also plotting a bid after missing out on Florian Wirtz.
According to fresh reports in The Athletic, Chelsea are set to beat the German champions to the punch, and hope to reach an agreement in short order.
Gittens is thought to be keen on the move. It is understood that he has agreed a seven-year deal, with the contract ready to be signed upon the completion of club-to-club negotiations, which have continued at the Club World Cup.
Dortmund are holding out for a £50million fee and rejected three Chelsea bids ahead of the Club World Cup, the most recent of which totalled £42million.
Sebastian Kehl, Dortmund’s sporting director, said last week: “We didn’t come to an agreement on Jamie because we have different ideas about the player’s current value.”
Chelsea also hold an interest in Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Lyon’s Malick Fofana, who could be available in a cut-price deal after the seven-time French champions were demoted to the second division on Tuesday.
Gittens racked up 11 goal contributions in 32 Bundesliga appearances last season. He has made one appearance at the Club World Cup, making a cameo off the bench in a goalless draw against Flamengo.
Dortmund face Ulsan HD in their final Club World Cup group stage tie on Wednesday evening.
