Chelsea are considering a £50 million move for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens as they aim to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming Club World Cup. The England Under-21 international, who previously spent time in Chelsea’s academy, is seen as a strong fit for the club’s strategy of investing in young, high-potential talent. Talks have taken place with Dortmund, and Gittens has emerged as a top target as the club seeks a right-footed winger to operate on the left flank.
The need for reinforcements in wide areas is clear, with Chelsea exploring various options. They have also been monitoring Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, though his high valuation may deter a formal approach. A previous attempt to sign Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho fell through due to concerns over his attitude. Gittens, by contrast, is viewed as a player who fits both the tactical profile and long-term vision Chelsea are trying to implement.
At the same time, the club is on the verge of completing a £30 million transfer for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. The 21-year-old has impressed with his strength and finishing ability and is seen as part of a renewed push to build a younger, more dynamic attack. Delap’s arrival could be one of several attacking changes this summer as Chelsea reshape their forward line.
There is also ongoing uncertainty surrounding Jadon Sancho. Chelsea are weighing whether to trigger a £25 million clause to make his loan move from Manchester United permanent. Although Sancho has shown flashes of quality, his inconsistency has left some decision-makers at the club hesitant. The deal may still go through if the player is willing to lower his current wage demands. However, if Chelsea opt against keeping him, they will be liable for a £5 million penalty to United.
In addition to attacking reinforcements, the club is targeting a new centre-back following a successful campaign that saw them qualify for the Champions League and win the UEFA Conference League. Although the purchase of Delap addresses the striker position, Chelsea could still look to add another forward. Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt is admired, but the £84 million price tag is considered too high. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko remains a long-term target, although interest from Arsenal may complicate any potential deal. If a second striker is brought in, it could place question marks over Nicolas Jackson’s future at Stamford Bridge.
Outgoings will also play a major role in Chelsea’s summer business. Noni Madueke is among those available for transfer, despite scoring 11 goals in all competitions last season. There is a growing sense that his development has plateaued. Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Milan, are also on the transfer list as the club looks to streamline its attacking options.
In goal, both Robert Sánchez and Djordje Petrovic are up for sale, offering potential opportunities for clubs seeking new shot-stoppers. Defensive reshuffling is also expected, with Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, and Axel Disasi deemed surplus to requirements. Wesley Fofana, whose injury issues have disrupted his progress, may also be allowed to leave for the right offer. Trevoh Chalobah remains another candidate for sale after previous attempts to move him on.
In midfield, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Lesley Ugochukwu are all considered expendable after failing to make a significant impact. Raheem Sterling, still on a high salary and returning from a disappointing loan spell at Arsenal, is another player the club is actively trying to move on.
