1 day ago
11
Chelsea are weighing up a bid for Jamie Gittens after holding talks with Borussia Dortmund. The England Under-21 winger, who is expected to cost around £50m, is one of several names of interest to the club as they attempt to bring in a wide player before heading to the Club World Cup this month.
Bringing in a right-footed winger capable of playing on the left flank is a priority for Chelsea, who are also set to announce a £30m deal for the Ipswich striker Liam Delap.
Chelsea have tracked Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, who is likely to prove too expensive, and were interested in Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho in January. There were concerns at the time over Garnacho’s attitude.
A move for Gittens would fit with their strategy of targeting young players. The talks with Dortmund come when there is uncertainty over whether or not Chelsea will meet an obligation to make Jadon Sancho’s loan from United permanent for £25m. Some key figures within the club are not sold on signing the winger, citing his inconsistent form this season, but a deal is possible if Sancho agrees to reduce his salary. Chelsea must pay a £5m penalty clause if they send the 25-year-old back to United.
It is going to be another busy summer at Stamford Bridge, with Enzo Maresca also hoping to sign a new centre-back after leading his side into the Champions League and winning the Uefa Conference League. Chelsea like Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike but see him as too expensive at £84m. There is long-term interest in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who is wanted by Arsenal. Nicolas Jackson’s future will be in doubt if two strikers arrive.
Outgoings are factored into Chelsea’s planning and it is understood they are open to offers for Noni Madueke. The England winger joined from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and scored 11 goals in all competitions last season, but there is a feeling that the 23-year-old’s development has stalled. Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Milan, are other attackers up for sale.
Chelsea have an extensive list of players up for sale. Robert Sánchez and Djordje Petrovic are on the market for clubs looking for a new goalkeeper. Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi are out of favour in defence and Wesley Fofana’s fitness problems mean that suitable offers for him will be hard to turn down. Chelsea tried to sell Trevoh Chalobah last summer.
after newsletter promotion
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu are available after making little impression in midfield and Raheem Sterling, who has two years left on his £325,000 a week contract, has no future at the club after a disappointing loan at Arsenal.
