Chelsea are wasting no time in the summer transfer market, and it looks like they’ve set their sights on a familiar face from their past.
With the clock ticking ahead of the Club World Cup registration deadline, the Blues have launched a £30 million bid for Borussia Dortmund’s rising star Jamie Bynoe-Gittens — and they’re not holding back on commitment either.
Reports suggest they’re ready to lock him in on a seven-year deal.
Dortmund Want More as Man City Watch On
Dortmund aren’t ready to let the 20-year-old winger go so easily, though.
The German side are reportedly holding out for closer to £40 million, knowing that Manchester City still hold a 10% sell-on clause from Gittens’ time in their youth academy.
With negotiations underway, Chelsea are hoping to get the deal wrapped up before Tuesday’s deadline to ensure Gittens is eligible to play in the Club World Cup.
That timing shows how serious they are about bringing in fresh firepower quickly.
Gittens’ Football Journey Comes Full Circle
What makes this potential signing even more interesting? Gittens actually had a brief stint at Chelsea during his youth days.
After his time there, he moved on to Reading and then to Manchester City, before eventually making the leap to Germany with Dortmund.
His senior debut came in August 2022, shortly after turning 18, and he’s been steadily climbing ever since.
Gittens has already made over 100 appearances for Dortmund, bagging 17 goals, with 12 of them coming this past season alone — making it a breakout campaign by all accounts.
Chelsea Also Looking to Bolster Their Back Line
While Gittens is the big attacking target, Chelsea are also keeping busy on the defensive end.
Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is firmly on their radar as they seek reinforcements at the back.
Another name drawing serious interest is Jorrel Hato of Ajax.
The 19-year-old Dutch defender has been making waves in the Eredivisie, having debuted for the Ajax senior team at just 16 years old.
Now, he’s not only a starter but has also earned the title of vice-captain and was recently named the 2024-25 Eredivisie Talent of the Year.
What’s Next for the Blues?
With just days to go before the Club World Cup squad list is finalized, Chelsea are moving fast to bring in the right names — and it’s clear they’re not afraid to invest in young talent with long-term potential.
Whether or not they can agree a final fee with Dortmund remains to be seen, but if they do, it looks like Jamie Gittens could be stepping back into a blue shirt much sooner than anyone expected.