Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens and Karim Adeyemi. (REUTERS/Yves Herman)
Chelsea’s summer rebuild is gaining serious momentum, with three signings already secured as they look to reshape the squad under new leadership.
The Blues have brought in midfielder Dario Essugo from Sporting Lisbon and defender Mamadou Sarr from sister club RC Strasbourg, bolstering their depth with youth and potential. The most high-profile addition so far has been Liam Delap, who joined in a £30 million move from relegated Ipswich Town.
Delap wasted no time making his mark. In Chelsea’s 3-0 Club World Cup victory over ES Tunis, the 22-year-old netted his first goal for the club—receiving the ball in the box, turning sharply, and calmly finishing past the keeper to seal progression to the last 16.
“It’s an incredible feeling. I came here to get goals, so to get the first one over and done with is a great feeling,” Delap said post-match. “It’s right up there [with my favourite goals] and it means a lot to me.”
Chelsea Edge Closer to Jamie Gittens Deal
Despite Delap’s arrival, Chelsea are actively pursuing further attacking reinforcements. With Christopher Nkunku likely to depart after two injury-hit seasons and Nicolas Jackson attracting interest from Napoli and AC Milan, the club is keen to secure a wide forward with pace and creativity.
That search has brought them firmly to Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.
Chelsea have been in negotiations with Dortmund for several weeks and are now edging closer to a deal, according to ESPN. Talks between representatives of both clubs reportedly intensified during the Club World Cup in the United States.
Chelsea have already had two bids rejected for the 20-year-old England youth international, who impressed with 12 goals in 48 appearances last season, including four in the Champions League. Dortmund are said to be holding out for a fee in excess of £50 million, but discussions remain active.
A right-footed winger comfortable playing on the left, Gittens fits the profile Chelsea are targeting. And his potential is no secret—his former coach at Dortmund, Edin Terzić, praised the youngster’s ability to turn games on their head.
“It’s basically very simple for him: he has the skills to decide games,” Terzić said. “He’s a game-changer.”
Chelsea will hope that, should a deal be struck, Gittens can bring that same impact to Stamford Bridge and add a new dimension to their attacking lineup.
About the Author
