Chelsea’s £42 million bid for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens has been rejected, as negotiations between the two clubs stall over valuation differences.
The 20-year-old England U21 international, who previously came through Manchester City’s academy, is reportedly interested in a move to Stamford Bridge and has a seven-year contract offer on the table. However, Dortmund are holding firm on their asking price, despite Gittens not fitting into new manager Niko Kovac’s system.
The failed bid raises doubts over whether Gittens can join Chelsea in time for the Club World Cup, with the competition’s initial transfer deadline looming on Tuesday evening.
Chelsea are considering renewed efforts to sign Gittens after the deadline and are also exploring alternative options, including Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus.
In a separate pursuit, Chelsea have pulled out of a deal for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan due to valuation differences. Milan are asking £25 million for the 29-year-old French international, who has one year left on his contract, while Chelsea reportedly value him at about half that.
Meanwhile, Dortmund have added another young English talent to their squad by signing Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland.
