Chelsea Get Promising Signal from Top Transfer Target as Deal Moves Forward
Borussia Dortmund are keeping the door open for Jamie Gittens' potential departure following the conclusion of the FIFA Club World Cup.
The forward continues to be strongly associated with Chelsea, a club known for aggressively pursuing young prospects and typically securing them on lengthy contracts spanning seven to eight years.
Reports suggest Chelsea have already reached an agreement with Gittens on personal terms for a contract extending until 2032. However, a transfer fee between the London club and Dortmund still needs to be negotiated for the 20-year-old's return to English football.
Following Dortmund's Club World Cup match against Fluminense, sporting director Sebastian Kehl suggested that Gittens is inclined toward a move and indicated the German club wouldn't necessarily oppose such a transfer.
"Jamie and I have had several discussions over recent days. He maintains his professionalism and understands the need to deliver performances. That's simply who he is," Kehl commented.
"Jamie remains crucial for our campaign in this tournament. We'll evaluate the situation once it concludes. However, I hold no negative feelings toward him."
Kehl had earlier acknowledged there is "certainly demand" for Gittens, with reports indicating the club might consider offers as low as €50 million (£42.6 million, $57.4 million).
Gittens had a brief stint in Chelsea's youth system during his early years, also developing through academies at Reading and Manchester City. He joined Dortmund at age 16 in 2020, taking a similar route from Manchester City to Germany that Jadon Sancho had taken three years prior.
The England youth international earned his senior Dortmund debut in April 2022, coming on as a substitute for club icon Marco Reus during a Bundesliga victory against Wolfsburg.
Chelsea's pursuit of a winger stems from their choice not to retain Sancho following his loan spell from Manchester United. The Blues had a £25 million ($33.6 million) purchase obligation but opted to pay a £5 million ($6.7 million) penalty fee instead after contract negotiations with the player broke down.