Chelsea submit bid for Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens

Sources indicate the 20-year-old is open to the move, with Chelsea keen to finalize the transfer before Tuesday's registration deadline for the tournament. Ironically, Dortmund are also set to participate in the competition, but Gittens could find himself in different colors should the deal go through in time.

Gittens has been on Chelsea's radar since the January window and remains a top target among a shortlist of eight to nine attacking players under consideration this summer. The west London club's interest in wide reinforcements has intensified following their decision not to pursue a permanent deal for former loanee Jadon Sancho.

Valued at around 50 million pounds, Gittens saw his role reduced during the latter stages of Dortmund's campaign, falling out of the starting XI amid fierce competition for places. Despite that, Chelsea view him as a high-upside addition with long-term value.

The winger's potential has long been evident at Dortmund, a club renowned for nurturing English talent. But unlike predecessors Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham - who arrived in Germany as elite prospects Gittens' path has been less conventional.

Signed from Manchester City at just 16, after time at Reading's academy, Gittens wasn't viewed as a generational talent at the time. Dortmund's development model, however, has helped him emerge as one of the most intriguing young wingers in European football.

"When we signed him, he was not on Sancho's level, but we believed we could develop him into a top player," Dortmund CEO Lars Ricken previously said. "It was a good collaboration between our scouting, professional, and youth departments."

Chelsea, who recently secured the signing of Liam Delap from Manchester City, are also in the market for another center-forward. Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko are both being considered as potential options in that role.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to depart Stamford Bridge this summer. Arsenal are progressing in talks to sign the Spanish international and are likely to activate his 5 million pound release clause.

With the Club World Cup looming, Chelsea's transfer activity is accelerating. Whether Gittens makes the switch in time remains to be seen-but the intent is clear: Chelsea are aiming to retool their attack with youth, pace, and potential.

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