Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea in Talks with Dortmund over £20m Midfielder | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund in Talks with Chelsea Over Double Deal

Borussia Dortmund are pushing ahead with plans to strengthen their squad before the transfer deadline and have turned their attention to Stamford Bridge. According to Fabrizio Romano, “Borussia Dortmund are set to discuss directly with Chelsea on Friday to get both Carney Chukwuemeka and Aaron Anselmino deals done!”

This proposed double move involves two different structures. Chukwuemeka, one of Chelsea’s brightest midfield prospects, is expected to command a significant fee. Romano reports that the deal is set at “€20m fee plus add-ons and sell-on clause.” For Anselmino, the arrangement is different, with Dortmund keen on “loan with no buy option.”

Chukwuemeka’s Future in Focus

Carney Chukwuemeka’s time at Chelsea has been hampered by injuries and limited opportunities. Despite his clear technical ability, the competition in midfield has restricted his game time under Enzo Maresca. At 20, the England Under-21 international needs regular minutes to fulfil his potential, and Dortmund could provide the perfect environment for that development.

A permanent move would represent a notable shift for Chelsea, who signed Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa in 2022. Including a sell-on clause indicates that the club recognises his long-term value, even if his immediate future lies elsewhere.

Photo: IMAGO

Anselmino Loan Deal Adds Depth

The second element of this discussion centres on Aaron Anselmino, the highly rated Argentine defender. At just 19, Anselmino is considered a future star at Stamford Bridge, which explains why Chelsea are only sanctioning a loan with no buy option. Dortmund, renowned for developing young talent, could offer the ideal platform for him to gain European experience while ensuring his long-term future remains in London.

This approach aligns with Chelsea’s strategy of sending promising players on carefully selected loans, ensuring progress without losing control over key assets.

What This Means for Chelsea and Dortmund

For Chelsea, these negotiations are part of a broader plan to streamline the squad while securing pathways for emerging talent. The club has invested heavily in young players, but the challenge lies in balancing development with first-team demands. Moving Chukwuemeka permanently creates financial flexibility, while Anselmino’s loan ensures valuable experience.

For Dortmund, these additions could be significant. Chukwuemeka brings creativity and technical quality, attributes that suit Dortmund’s attacking philosophy. Anselmino’s versatility and composure would strengthen defensive depth in a season that includes both Bundesliga and Champions League commitments.

Photo: IMAGO

With both clubs aligned on development-driven strategies, these talks could accelerate into final agreements. Fabrizio Romano’s update underscores the intent from both sides to reach a conclusion quickly.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Chelsea fans will view this with mixed emotions. Chukwuemeka arrived with high expectations, and glimpses of quality have shown why he was so highly regarded. However, persistent injuries and the club’s crowded midfield have made his progress difficult. A €20m deal, including add-ons and a sell-on clause, feels like a compromise that ensures Chelsea benefit financially while acknowledging the player’s need for a fresh start.

As for Anselmino, this move seems sensible. Keeping him on Chelsea’s books while allowing him to develop at Dortmund provides the best of both worlds. Dortmund’s track record with young talent speaks for itself, and regular game time in Germany could accelerate his growth.

The key question for fans will be whether these exits, particularly Chukwuemeka’s, are offset by adequate reinforcements. Chelsea cannot afford to weaken depth without clear replacements, especially with a long season ahead. Still, these moves align with the club’s long-term model of sustainability and squad optimisation.