Chelsea forced to rethink bid after Dortmund reject opening offer | OneFootball

Chelsea’s Opening Bid for Gittens Rejected by Dortmund as Talks Continue

Gittens interest prompts swift Chelsea move

Chelsea’s pursuit of Borussia Dortmund forward Jamie Gittens has reached its first major hurdle. As reported by Sky Sports, the Bundesliga club have rejected an opening €35 million (£29.5 million) bid for the England U21 international, who has emerged as one of Chelsea’s key summer targets.

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Sources suggest Chelsea are not dissuaded and are expected to return with an improved offer. Dortmund, however, are holding firm and value the winger between €50 million and €60 million (£42 million to £50 million).

Player eager to join Chelsea

Despite being left out of Dortmund’s starting XI towards the end of the season, Gittens remains a player of significant interest to Chelsea. The West London side have a long-standing interest in the 20-year-old, dating back to the January window. Talks between all parties have progressed, and a verbal agreement is said to be in place between Gittens and Chelsea.

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Importantly, both clubs will take part in the Club World Cup this summer. Chelsea must complete the signing before Tuesday’s registration deadline if they want Gittens eligible for the competition in the United States.

Focus shifts after Sancho decision

Chelsea’s desire to strengthen their winger options has intensified following their decision not to pursue a permanent move for Jadon Sancho. With a list of eight to nine attacking targets under consideration, Gittens remains high among the club’s priorities.

Photo: IMAGO

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For Chelsea fans, this is another frustrating moment in a summer that promises much but delivers in stutters. Jamie Gittens ticks so many of the boxes the club should be looking for: youth, technical ability, top-level European experience, and, crucially, interest in the project.

To have an opening bid rejected is not a shock, but it reflects what some supporters feel is a recurring theme — Chelsea underbidding or misreading market expectations. Dortmund are not an easy club to negotiate with, and their valuation reflects a player who is seen internally as a future first-team regular despite his recent exclusion from the starting XI.

The Club World Cup angle adds urgency, and fans will feel let down if the deadline passes without progress. There is time to improve the offer, and perhaps a compromise can be reached. But if Chelsea really believe Gittens is a priority, they need to act accordingly. If not, there are clubs in Europe who will.