Jamie Gittens. (Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Chelsea have entered talks with Borussia Dortmund over a move for winger Jamie Gittens according to TalkSport. The 20 year old is valued at £35million by Dortmund and could find himself surplus to requirements under new manager Niko Kovac.
Gittens is under contract until 2028 and has shone brightly for the Dortmund despite his recently limited appearances. He enjoyed a run in the side earlier in the season, grabbing headlines for his performance in an October Champions League match against Real Madrid when he scored and looked a real menace down the left hand flank.
He became the youngest English player to score against Real Madrid in the Champions League, aged 20 years and 75 days.
The turn of the year has seemingly change his fortunes though, when manager Niko Kovac took over from Nuri Sahin on January 30th. Gittens has failed to play a full 90 minutes match under his new manager and has looked a frustrated figure.
Despite this he has still managed 12 goals and five assists in 44 games across all competitions this campaign.
Chelsea looking to add Gittens to forward line
The England U-21 star spent time in the Chelsea academy before stints at Reading and Man City in his youth career. He moved to Dortmund in 2020, making his senior debut a year later aged 17. He saw his first team minutes continue to rise in the following seasons and looked set to become a mainstay.
He’s had to settle for a bit part role behind Karim Adeyemi as of late, but remains one of Europe’s top prospects. His pace and trickery have caught the attention of many clubs with Arsenal, Man United, and Liverpool also linked.
Like Chelsea, Gittens finds himself embroiled in a race for a Champions League place. Dortmund currently sit 5th in the Bundesliga, just one point behind 4th place Freiburg heading into the final matchday. Top 4 get Champions League from the Bundesliga, and Dortmund will feel they are in a strong position as they face relegated Holstein Kiel at home in their final match.
Freiburg face a tricky home match against 3rd place Frankfurt.
Chelsea currently sit in the 5th and final Champions League place but with the winners of the Europa League final between United and Spurs set to take the final spot, Chelsea will be hoping to pip Man City to 4th.
Champions League football next season could sway the youngster’s decision.
Should he fancy a return to his homeland would most likely compete with Pedro Neto for place in Chelsea’s XI.
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