Bundesliga to Chelsea nearing completion while Liverpool consider Napoli bid | OneFootball

Chelsea Chase Jamie Gittens, Liverpool Plot Nunez Exit: Summer Transfer Strategy in Focus

Chelsea’s Gittens Gambit Signals Serious Summer Intent

Chelsea’s pursuit of Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens offers a fascinating subplot to this summer’s transfer window. A deal for the 20-year-old English forward stalled before the pre-Club World Cup deadline, but as David Ornstein reported in The Athletic, negotiations are progressing steadily and a resolution could be imminent.

“Chelsea were unable to finalise a deal with the Bundesliga club for the 20-year-old before the closing of the pre-Club World Cup transfer window earlier this month.”

That window may have closed, but Gittens’ preference for a move to Stamford Bridge remains firmly intact. Despite rival interest from Bayern Munich, “the former Manchester City player favours a move to Stamford Bridge and has remained fully committed to the idea of joining Enzo Maresca’s side.” The Blues already have a seven-year deal agreed with Gittens, and only the final club-to-club arrangement remains.

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Chelsea’s proactive transfer business underlines a clear strategy since Maresca’s appointment — blending youthful potential with tactical compatibility. The fact that both Dortmund and Chelsea are in the United States for the Club World Cup has made negotiations smoother, too, adding momentum to what could be one of the more intriguing intra-window deals.

This level of long-term planning — signing a young English talent who has Bundesliga pedigree — echoes Chelsea’s shift away from short-term fixes. It’s a sharp contrast to the scattergun approach seen in previous regimes. Whether Gittens becomes the next Cole Palmer or struggles with the weight of expectation remains to be seen, but Chelsea’s intent is beyond doubt.

Liverpool’s Nunez Conundrum Gathers Pace

Meanwhile, across the divide in Merseyside, Liverpool appear prepared to part ways with Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan forward’s future has felt uncertain for months, and Ornstein’s update adds clarity to the situation: “The Premier League champions are looking to sell and the Uruguayan is keen to move.”

Napoli are the most serious contenders. An offer is expected soon, though no fee has been confirmed. What is certain is Liverpool’s valuation. “The English club rejected an approach from Saudi side Al Nassr in January worth around €70million (£60m, $81m), demonstrating the level of fee they are seeking.”

That January rejection now looks more like a calculated play than a firm commitment to keeping Nunez. With Napoli showing intent and the player open to Naples, a deal could move quickly.

For Arne Slot, Nunez’s departure raises questions but not necessarily concerns. “Liverpool have conducted impressive early work this summer, recruiting Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and agreeing a deal for Milos Kerkez.” The club may now pause further business to observe how the market unfolds, but Slot already has attacking combinations that could absorb Nunez’s exit.

And even if no direct replacement arrives, the report suggests Liverpool’s options are plentiful: “Buying Wirtz has already changed the attacking dynamic available to head coach Arne Slot, with multiple options and combinations at his disposal.”

Targets Tracked but No Clear Movements Yet

With Nunez’s future pointing to Italy, Liverpool fans are scanning for clues about replacements. Names like Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike are often linked, but no tangible progress has been made. “Their admiration for forwards such as Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike is well documented but there is nothing significant in motion at present.”

Given the fee Liverpool expect for Nunez, their patience is strategic. Slot is unlikely to rush into decisions, especially when Wirtz’s arrival has already added versatility. The club are operating from a position of strength, and the sense is that they’re willing to wait for value.

Elsewhere, Leeds United are circling Union Saint-Gilloise midfielder Noah Sadiki, while Bayer Leverkusen have eyes on Malik Tillman at PSV. These deals carry broader implications for the Premier League ecosystem as clubs look to finalise their summer business before the June 30 PSR deadline.

Financial Pressures and Market Timing

With Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) looming large, many clubs are making their moves early. As The Athletic notes, “as the end of June approaches, so does the 2024-25 accounting deadline for plenty of clubs.” Villa Park, in particular, could be busy over the coming days.

The requirements are exacting. To finalise a transfer before the fiscal cut-off, clubs must complete all registration paperwork, international clearances, and pay applicable fees and taxes. Failure to meet any of those conditions means a deal cannot be booked for the current accounting year.

For Chelsea and Liverpool, however, the luxury of big budgets and strategic planning affords more breathing room. Both clubs are thinking long-term, balancing ambition with sustainability. That makes them outliers in a market that may become frenetic in the final week of June.

Our View – EPL Index

There’s a sense of cautious optimism on Merseyside. Darwin Nunez has been a divisive figure among supporters. His raw talent was never in question, but erratic finishing and limited tactical discipline often frustrated fans. If he does move to Napoli, many would wish him well — but few would be heartbroken.

The recruitment of Florian Wirtz is where the excitement really lies. It shows Liverpool are planning for the future with smart, high-impact signings. Under Arne Slot, who already seems comfortable in his role, the front line is beginning to look like one that can evolve rather than rebuild. Some fans are crying out for a more traditional No. 9, but others are embracing the idea of fluid, interchangeable attackers.

As for Gittens to Chelsea, there’s a tinge of envy. Liverpool have scouted him previously and he would fit the new high-press model well. But seven-year deals and major early outlays aren’t typically FSG’s style. If Chelsea pull it off, they’ll have secured a potential England international before his stock explodes.

For now, though, most Kopites will be glued to news out of Naples, hoping that if Darwin goes, it sparks the next chapter of Slot’s reshaped front line.