Chelsea have launched a new bid for Dortmund star Jamie Gittens as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the Club World Cup.
The Blues have offered an improved €50million (£42m) offer as they look to scoop the Englishman with just hours left remaining of the special transfer deadline day.
Chelsea had previously offered Dortmund £29.5m but saw their offer rejected.
The Blues are hoping to sign the 20-year-old before Tuesday’s deadline to play in the Club World Cup and are prepared to offer a seven-year contract.
Enzo Maresca’s side travel to the USA on Friday and face LAFC in their opening fixture in Atlanta on Monday.
A special transfer window, which allows clubs to complete deals before the tournament kicks off on Saturday, slams shut on Tuesday at 7pm before reopening next week.
Chelsea have submitted an improved £42million offer for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens
Man City hold a 10 per cent sell-on clause for Gittens who left the club’s academy in 2020
Enzo Maresca’s side hope to wrap up a deal before the end of the special transfer window
City hold a 10 per cent sell-on clause for Gittens who left the club’s academy in 2020 for Dortmund.
Gittens, who also had brief spells at Chelsea and Reading as a youngster, made his senior debut in the Bundesliga days after his 18th birthday.
He has racked up 106 appearances since, scoring 17 goals. Although, his breakout campaign came this past season, over the course of which he scored 12 goals and provided three assists in 48 games.
The improved offer comes hours after Chelsea’s deal for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maigan collapsed.
The Blues had stepped up their interest in the Frenchman in recent days and hoped to complete a deal before the transfer window closes ahead of the Club World Cup.
But the west Londoners were unwilling to pay Milan’s fee, which they believe was inflated due to their will to sign him in time for the competition.
It is understood that Milan want around £20m for Maignan, who has one year remaining on his contract at San Siro.
A deal between AC Milan and the Conference League winners is now off, according to Fabrizio Romano, who cited Chelsea’s frustration at a ‘Club World Cup tax’.
Chelsea’s deal for goalkeeper Maignan collapsed after they refused to pay Milan’s asking price
Chelsea currently have five goalkeepers on their books but none have fully convinced fans.
Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Djordje Petrovic, Mike Penders and Kepa Arrizabalaga are all currently contracted at Stamford Bridge, but they have not persuaded the Chelsea hierarchy against looking for another keeper this window.
However, following a breakdown in negotiations for Maignan, the Blues reportedly maintain ‘full trust’ in Petrovic, Sanchez, Jorgensen and Penders.
More to follow…
