Jamie Gittens stands at the heart of a transfer tug-of-war. The 20-year-old Borussia Dortmund winger, once a Chelsea academy player, has already seen two offers from the Blues turned down before the June 10 mini transfer window shut.
Chelsea missed their chance to bring him in before the FIFA Club World Cup, but their pursuit remains alive.
Arsenal now threaten to crash the party. Reports by Fichajes suggest Mikel Arteta’s side are readying a £43 million bid to hijack Chelsea’s move. Dortmund, firm on their £55 million valuation, may reject it outright, but hesitation from Chelsea could open a door for the Gunners to slip through.
Chelsea still hold advantages. They’ve already agreed personal terms and a long-term contract with Gittens. His familiarity with the club from his youth days adds weight to their case, and talks with Dortmund could restart soon to close the deal.
Arsenal’s interest comes amid their search for a striker. Linked heavily with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, Arteta’s main priority remains a No. 9. A winger like Gittens may not leap ahead in urgency, giving Chelsea breathing space to raise their bid.
Still, the lure of Arsenal—a team in the thick of a title hunt—can’t be dismissed.
Gittens, who delivered 12 goals and five assists last season, has blossomed into a world-class winger at just 20. His pace, precision, and flair make him a prize worth fighting for.
For now, Chelsea lead. Arsenal circle. Dortmund wait. And Gittens’ future hovers between two London rivals.