Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea ‘Advancing’ in £50m Deal for Bundesliga Forward | OneFootball

Chelsea Move Forward in Pursuit of Jamie Gittens, While Hugo Ekitike Remains Out of Reach

Chelsea are making tangible progress in their attempts to secure the signature of Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, according to trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano. Speaking via Caught Offside, Romano revealed that the player has already agreed to personal terms with the London club. “The player already said yes to the contract, a seven-year deal, so it’s all done on the player side,” he wrote.

Talks between Chelsea and Dortmund continue as the clubs work out the final details, and while nothing is yet confirmed, the sense is that Chelsea have pushed themselves into a strong position. Gittens, a dynamic attacking talent, is now a genuine priority for the Blues. “Chelsea are ready to make a new proposal,” Romano added, suggesting that movement on this transfer could accelerate rapidly.

The Dortmund forward is expected to cost around £50million.

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Chelsea Choose Gittens Over Garnacho

Although Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho is admired by Chelsea, he is no longer the priority. Romano clarified this situation: “Alejandro Garnacho is still a player appreciated… but they are not the only club in the race.” The presence of multiple interested parties, including Bayer Leverkusen, has complicated any approach for Garnacho. His potential price tag also remains a concern, with Romano hinting that Leverkusen might find him “too expensive.”

For Chelsea, the strategic decision to prioritise Jamie Gittens over Garnacho points to their long-term vision. The club sees Gittens not only as an emerging star but also as a better fit for their rebuild under Enzo Maresca, who values versatility and tactical awareness in young players.

Hugo Ekitike: Liked, But Unlikely

Another name on Chelsea’s radar is Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. However, any deal for the French forward appears far-fetched at present. Romano reported: “Hugo Ekitike is really appreciated by Chelsea… but at the moment the negotiation is not closed at all.” The sticking point? His hefty €100 million valuation.

Frankfurt’s stance is clear. They value Ekitike highly after his breakthrough Bundesliga campaign and are unwilling to entertain offers far below their asking price. Romano stated: “Chelsea were asking for information… and their answer was that his asking price is €100m.”

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Chelsea’s recent acquisition of Liam Delap from Ipswich may have added further depth to their forward options, suggesting that unless Frankfurt reduce their valuation or Chelsea receive a windfall, this deal is “completely on standby.”

Patience Required This Summer

With multiple irons in the fire, Chelsea are evidently active in the market but also methodical. Their current focus on Jamie Gittens aligns with a longer-term project rather than immediate headline-making signings. Garnacho and Ekitike are both admired, but financial and competitive complications make those pursuits less realistic for now.

Still, as Romano concluded, “Let’s see if later in the window, Chelsea will be able to find a way for Hugo Ekitike,” suggesting that not all hope is lost on that front.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Chelsea supporter, this report from Fabrizio Romano is exactly what we want to hear. Enzo Maresca clearly has a plan, and going after someone like Jamie Gittens shows a fresh and focused recruitment approach. We’re not chasing just big names for the sake of it. Gittens fits our philosophy—he’s young, skilful and willing to work hard, and a seven-year deal suggests we’re backing him to grow with the club.

The fact that we’re not getting drawn into a bidding war for Garnacho is a clever move. Yes, he’s talented, but there’s no sense in overpaying or battling multiple clubs for someone who may not even choose us in the end. Plus, we’ve already got plenty of promising wide players, and Gittens feels like a better long-term investment.

Ekitike would be exciting, no doubt. But €100 million? That’s madness. Let Frankfurt hold onto him at that price. We’ve got Delap now and could still move for someone else later in the window. It’s smart to leave that door open without being desperate.

All in all, it feels like Chelsea are finally acting with purpose. No panic buys, no overreactions. Just smart, strategic planning that fits Maresca’s vision. Long may it continue.