Bayern Munich Threatens to Steal Chelsea's Top Transfer Target in Dramatic Hijack Attempt
Bayern Munich has emerged as a potential threat to Chelsea's efforts to secure Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, based on recent reports.
The London club had hoped to bring Gittens aboard before this summer's Club World Cup and successfully negotiated personal terms with the 20-year-old player, but were unable to reach an agreement with Dortmund, who remain willing to sell while seeking maximum compensation.
Negotiations between both clubs have resumed, with Dortmund's director Sebastian Kehl recently keeping the possibility open for Gittens' summer exit. The talented winger's contract runs until 2028, which gives Dortmund significant leverage in maintaining their valuation demands.
As Chelsea continues to deliberate over meeting Dortmund's price tag, Bayern Munich has reportedly entered the competition for the player's services, with kicker reporting ongoing discussions with his agents.
Bayern is actively seeking to acquire a new winger this summer but has encountered several setbacks in the transfer market. Their primary target Florian Wirtz has moved to Liverpool, while their second choice Nico Williams appears set to join Barcelona. Sky Sport Germany reports that Bayern hasn't completely abandoned their pursuit of the Athletic Club player, though their prospects seem limited.
In their quest for alternatives, Bayern has expressed interest in Gittens, who appears on a target list that also features Liverpool's Cody Gakpo and AC Milan's Rafael Leão.
Chelsea remains optimistic that their existing arrangement with Gittens will provide them with an advantage, and indications suggest this may prove accurate. The Athletic reported earlier this month that Gittens "exclusively desires to join Chelsea", while Fabrizio Romano recently disclosed that the winger is currently ignoring alternative proposals.
Acquiring a new winger represents Enzo Maresca's primary transfer objective for the remaining summer window, particularly given that Ukraine's Mykhailo Mudryk has recently faced charges following a failed drug test.