Chelsea see first bid for English winger rejected, asked to pay €70 million to sign player: Reports
Chelsea's first bid for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens has reportedly been rejected. Borussia Dortmund are demanding around €70 million for the English winger.
As per journalist Christian Falk (via GOAL), the Blues had made a bid worth €42 million for Gittens on Thursday, June 5. However, Dortmund have rejected it as they want €70 million. The two sides remain in conversation, though, as they look to find a solution.
Chelsea are looking to sign Gittens to boost their attack ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. Their campaign in the tournament begins on June 16 with a clash against Mexican side Club Leon. They are looking to sign the English winger before traveling to the United States for the tournament.
Gittens, interestingly, spent six months in Chelsea's academy from January to June in 2012. He moved to Reading and Manchester City before eventually joining Borussia Dortmund in 2020. He has made 106 senior appearances for the German side, scoring 17 goals and providing 14 assists.
The 20-year-old can play on either wing and also as a second striker. He recorded 12 goals and five assists in 48 games across competitions in the 2024-25 season. His contract with Dortmund expires in 2028.
Arsenal legend warns Chelsea star about potential move to the Emirates
Ray Parlour has suggested that Kepa Arrizabalaga not join Arsenal as he will not get regular playing time. He believes that the Chelsea man will be stuck at being the backup goalkeeper behind David Raya.
Parlour said:
"It's all on if he wants to play. He's not going to play at Arsenal, is he? He's going to be the No. 2, but do you want to be No. 2? He's obviously been No.1 at Bournemouth now. If you're Arsenal, you want to buy him because he's a great No. 2 to have. But if you're Kepa, you want to play unless you're happy to sit on the bench. If I was a keeper, I'd want to play at his age, 30, because you'll regret it when you finish."
Kepa has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer as they look to replace Neto, who has returned to Bournemouth after his loan spell.
The Spaniard joined Chelsea from Athletic Club in 2018 for a world-record fee for a goalkeeper (£72 million). He's made 163 appearances for them, keeping 59 clean sheets. He spent the last two seasons on loan at Real Madrid and Bournemouth, respectively.
