Chelsea seal £55m deal for “World Class” winger from Dortmund | OneFootball

Chelsea Land Gittens from Dortmund as João Pedro Talks Progress

Gittens agrees long-term Chelsea move

Chelsea have struck a deal with Borussia Dortmund to sign Jamie Gittens, with the transfer fee understood to be worth approximately £55 million. The 20-year-old winger, who has represented England at Under-21 level, was earmarked as a priority signing as early as January and has now agreed a seven-year contract with the West London club.

Gittens, a right-footed left winger, fits the profile that new head coach Enzo Maresca has been pursuing. The former Leicester boss has made wide attacking reinforcements a summer priority following the return of Jadon Sancho to Manchester United and Mykhailo Mudryk’s doping-related suspension.

The youngster has previously attracted attention from Bayern Munich but has opted for Chelsea, where he is expected to play a prominent role under Maresca. While Gittens will undergo his medical in the coming days, he will not be eligible to feature for Chelsea in the upcoming Club World Cup, having already represented Dortmund in a previous round of the competition in the United States.

Photo: IMAGO

emerges as next target

With the Gittens deal close to completion, Chelsea have turned their attention to bolstering their attacking line further — this time with a focus on João Pedro. The Brighton forward is also high on Newcastle United’s wish list, with the Magpies having already seen a £50 million bid turned down.

Despite Newcastle’s interest, Chelsea believe they can persuade the Brazilian to make the move to Stamford Bridge. Talks are ongoing with Brighton, who are reportedly holding firm for £60 million. João Pedro, who has netted 30 times in 70 appearances for Brighton, remains open to both options — but there is growing confidence within Chelsea’s camp that he may favour their proposal.

A key factor in Chelsea’s pursuit is the influence of Sam Jewell, the recruitment specialist who originally signed João Pedro for Brighton and has since joined Chelsea’s staff. His close ties to the forward are believed to be central to the club’s optimism.

Chelsea eye further changes up front

João Pedro’s appeal lies not just in his output but his versatility and familiarity with Premier League football. Chelsea are intent on reshaping their attacking corps and are considering exits for João Félix and Christopher Nkunku to accommodate new additions.

West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus is another name under consideration, but João Pedro is now seen as a central focus of Maresca’s evolving plans. The club is keen to add creativity, balance and flexibility across the front line, with João Pedro’s proven adaptability an attractive proposition.

Sunderland close on record Diarra move

Elsewhere, Sunderland are on the verge of pulling off a significant deal of their own as they near the £30 million signing of Habib Diarra from Strasbourg. The midfielder, who recently scored against England in a 3-1 win, is expected to complete his medical on Wearside after the two clubs agreed an initial €31.5 million (£27 million) fee plus €4 million in add-ons.

Leeds United had also been in the running for the Senegal international but saw their £24 million bid rejected. Sunderland, fresh from securing promotion via the Championship playoffs, made Diarra their prime target to replace Jobe Bellingham, who joined Borussia Dortmund earlier this month.

This deal, once finalised, will become the club’s record signing — surpassing the £20 million they paid for Enzo Le Fée, who joined from Roma. Diarra’s arrival marks a bold statement of intent as Sunderland prepare for their return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence.

They are also monitoring further reinforcements, with interest in Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka and Sassuolo winger Armand Laurienté. Meanwhile, their Wembley hero Tom Watson has departed to Brighton for £10 million, and discussions have taken place about a potential return for Jordan Henderson from Ajax.