Jamie Gittens: Borussia Dortmund winger 'on verge' of Chelsea move after 'challenging' negotiations | OneFootball

English forward is yet to be capped by his country at senior level

Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that Jamie Gittens is “on the verge” of completing a move to Chelsea.

Chelsea had been targeting a right-footed left winger this summer, and appear to have got their priority target.

Gittens will follow the Blues’ latest recruit Joao Pedro through the Stamford Bridge door, with the Brazilian joining the west Londoners from Brighton and Hove Albion for £60million.

Now, Dortmund have all-but confirmed that Gittens will become a Chelsea player, announcing on their social channels that an agreement in principle had been reached between all parties.

The German club did mention that “contractual details” were still being finalised before the deal could be considered complete.

In a statement on Dortmund’s website, club chief executive Lars Ricken and sporting director Sebastian Kehl wished Gittens well on his return to England, where the winger will play in the Premier League for the first time.

“Gittens' career exemplifies the development of top talents at BVB,” Ricken said.

“We discovered him very early, signed him almost at no cost, continuously developed him in our youth academy, and provided him with playing time at the highest professional level. Jamie has repaid that trust with dedication, performance, and goals.

“His transfer back to his home country would be highly valuable for us. We wish Jamie all the best for his sporting future.

Kehl, Dortmund’s sporting director, said that the negotiations with Chelsea were difficult.

"The negotiations with Chelsea were challenging, but in the end, we are glad that we can most likely realize our expectations and gain planning security," he said.

“Jamie is an excellent player who has brought us great joy. It was his wish to take the next step in his career at Chelsea, and we wish him all the very best and much success."

Gittens, who came through at Manchester City’s academy, moved to Germany in 2020, where he has played in 76 Bundesliga matches, scoring 12 times.

He also has Champions League experience, netting five goals in 23 appearances in Europe’s top competition.