Borussia Dortmund have rejected Chelsea’s opening £35m offer for Jamie Gittens, according to reports in Germany.
Chelsea are targeting Gittens, 20, as they look to bolster Enzo Maresca’s attacking options ahead of the 2025-26 season.
The Blues already have a number of talented forwards at Stamford Bridge but are open to offers for many of those, including England international Noni Madueke.
Chelsea also decided to pay a £5m penalty to Manchester United in order to avoid signing Jadon Sancho on a permanent transfer.
Gittens just enjoyed his best season to date at Dortmund, scoring 12 goals in all competitions.
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The England U21 star had a brief spell in Chelsea’s academy as a youngster before spending time at Reading and Manchester City.
Gittens is keen to return to England and has verbally agreed a deal with Chelsea ahead of the Club World Cup.
But the Premier League club’s initial offer of €35m (£29.5m) has been knocked back by Bundesliga side Dortmund, according to Sky Sports.
Despite the disappointment for Chelsea, negotiations are ongoing and the Blues are preparing to return with an improved bid.
Borussia Dortmund have indicated they are holding out for €50-60m (£42-50m) for the winger, who attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United earlier in the year.
Chelsea make progress over Mike Maignan transfer
Chelsea are working on a deal for Gittens while pushing to sign France No. 1 Mike Maigan from AC Milan.
The Blues were expected to stick with Robert Sanchez despite a difficult season at Stamford Bridge but have been alerted to the opportunity to sign Maignan for a relatively small fee.
Frank Leboeuf wants Chelsea to make an ‘exception’ and break from their natural transfer policy by signing the experienced Maignan this summer.
‘As much as I like him and I think he would fit perfectly to Chelsea… Chelsea have decided to give an exception in their trading business system,’ he told ESPN.
‘I think they should [make an exception] where you need a new Thiago Silva. It would be more interesting to have somebody as a centre-back.
‘That would be my decision, but if they decide to go for Mike that’s a very good decision because the guy is a really good goalkeeper.
‘I know him, I appreciate him and I think he will be very useful to Chelsea.’
One goalkeeper on his way out of Chelsea is Kepa Arrizabalaga, the most expensive shot-stopper in the world now set to join London rivals Arsenal.
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