Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

Speaking to TBRFootball, Bailey said that “talks” over a move to Stamford Bridge have taken place recently, with the England Under-21 international keen on a return to English football:

“There have been conversations, Gittens wants to come back to the Premier League – he’s ready now. So it’s a real possibility.”

“There have been talks about him recently, and it’s been progressing in recent weeks. He could very well be the one. It is one of those transfer stories that continues to gain legs and will not go away; it seems like one that will just happen.”

How much will Gittens cost?

Dormund were originally hoping to hold out for €100m (£85m) but they are still in danger of losing out on Champions League football next season, and the absence of such prize money will force them into selling players over the summer.

Gittens is classed as one of the club’s main assets and reports in Germany suggest that he could be offloaded over the coming months if a team tables an offer in the region of €60m (£51m).

Interest from other Premier League teams, such as Liverpool and Manchester United, could still push up the asking price but it appears the Blues are the only team pressing to secure his services at the moment.

Why are Chelsea pursuing another winger?

The left flank is a weak spot in Enzo Maresca’s squad. There is still no certainty as to when Myhailo Mudryk will be available again following his provisional drugs ban.

Jadon Sancho is set to make his switch from United permanent in July but Chelsea can still pay a £5m penalty fee to send him back to Old Trafford if they so wish.

In that context, the interest in Gittens is not that surprising, although some fans may feel that alternatives, such as Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, would be better investments.

Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here