Once the transfer window reopens in two days, Chelsea will be eager to secure a solution for their left-wing position. Following Mykhailo Mudryk’s suspension in December last year, the Blues have had limited options on that flank. Jadon Sancho has also failed to impress and has returned to Manchester United. On numerous occasions, Enzo Maresca has had to deploy left-footed players there, whether it be Noni Madueke or Pedro Neto.
The Blues have already attempted to sign Jamie Gittens for the position, having had the English winger on their radar for months. Personal terms have already been agreed with the player, and Chelsea were believed to have put in three offers on Borussia Dortmund's table.
However, they were unable to reach an agreement with Borussia Dortmund in time for the player to be registered ahead of the Club World Cup. The club is hopeful of completing the deal later in the summer transfer window.
However, if reports are to be believed it now appears that Chelsea’s London rivals, Arsenal, are also planning a move for the winger. According to Fichajes, they are preparing a proposal close to €50 million euros to secure the signature of Gittens.
Arsenal plotting €50 million bid for Chelsea-linked Gittens
Chelsea have an agreement in place with the player, which will be a major advantage for them going forward, even if Arsenal step up their interest. It's also worth noting that Chelsea's third and final offer, believed to be around €55 million, was rejected.
As a result, Arsenal’s lower bid of €50 million is not expected to sway Borussia Dortmund. The German club are asking for a fee in the region of €65–70 million.
The Blues, however, will have bitter memories of losing a top target to another club, as Dean Huijsen most recently joined Real Madrid despite Chelsea being frontrunners in the deal for a long time. So even though they still lead the race for Gittens, they will need to act quickly once the transfer window reopens if they want to avoid a similar outcome in this case.