Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens is ‘committed’ to joining Chelsea this summer despite late interest from Bayern Munich.
Chelsea were eager to sign the England Under-21 international before the start of the Club World Cup with both the Blues and Dortmund part of the competition in the United States.
They were unable to finalise a deal before the first transfer deadline of the summer but The Athletic report talks have continued with an agreement now expected to be quickly reached.
A move could be pushed through imminently with a seven-year contract already agreed with Gittens ‘fully committed’ to joining the project at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea failed with two separate offers to prise Gittens away from the Westfalenstadion. It’s believed Dortmund are holding out for a fee in the region of €60million (£51m).
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Gittens remains eager to join Chelsea despite reports claiming Bayern Munich are keen to keep him in the Bundesliga.
Bayern want to sign another winger with Nico Williams and Bradley Barcola among their list of ambitious transfer targets.
But Dortmund have denied suggestions talks have been held between the rival clubs over Gittens.
I’m not currently in contact with Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl,’ Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said when asked about the rumours during Dortmund’s Club World Cup training session in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
‘But otherwise we have a very good relationship.
‘Nevertheless, there’s nothing to say on the subject at the moment.’
Chelsea meanwhile are eager to bring in another wide option after deciding against keeping Jadon Sancho on at the club.
With Mykhailo Mudryk facing a doping ban, Maresca has the options of Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke – the latter who is wanted by Arsenal – along with youngster Tyrique George.
‘We had already one entire season already without Mischa [Mudryk],’ Maresca said last week. ‘We are going to decide to go for a winger.
‘In both cases, we have Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto as proper wingers, then we try to adapt with Tyrique George. It’s a position we need to improve.’
Brazilian sensation Estevao Willian will join up with Chelsea after the Club World Cup while they have also held talks Lyon’s Malick Fofana.