‘Imminently’ – David Ornstein drops major transfer update as Chelsea move for Newcastle primary target

Chelsea have broken the deadlock in their prolonged pursuit of Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, finally reaching an agreement that will bring the coveted England U21 international to Stamford Bridge.

The 20-year-old’s impending arrival marks a significant victory for the Blues in the transfer market, seeing off competition from Newcastle United who had tracked the talented wide man for over a year.

The West London club’s persistence has paid off after initial bids around £30 million were rebuffed by Dortmund earlier this summer. While the final fee remains undisclosed, the Bundesliga outfit had been holding out for a package worth approximately £55 million for their prized asset.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, negotiations accelerated during both clubs’ participation in the Club World Cup in the United States, with a seven-year contract already agreed in principle with the player.

Gittens’ commitment to the Chelsea project became evident when he rejected late interest from Bayern Munich to focus solely on the Stamford Bridge switch.

Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl acknowledged the respectful nature of discussions between the clubs, stating: “We looked into Chelsea’s approach very seriously, maintaining our positive dialogue.

While we couldn’t align on valuation initially, Jamie remains a tremendous professional who will give everything for Dortmund until his departure.”

The young winger’s breakthrough campaign at Signal Iduna Park last season showcased his explosive pace, direct dribbling, and improving end product – attributes that convinced Chelsea to make him their latest marquee attacking addition.

His versatility to operate on either flank adds valuable depth to Mauricio Pochettino’s forward options as Chelsea aim to mount a sustained Premier League challenge.

For Newcastle, Gittens’ imminent move to London represents another missed target in their ongoing search for right-wing reinforcements.

The Magpies had monitored the former Manchester City academy product since late 2023 but ultimately couldn’t match Chelsea’s financial muscle or the allure of their long-term project.

Eddie Howe’s side have now shifted focus to alternatives including Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga and Brighton’s João Pedro, though both come with their own valuation challenges as Newcastle navigate the crucial PSR deadline.

Gittens’ arrival continues Chelsea’s strategy of securing elite young talent on lengthy contracts, following the captures of Kendry Páez and Estevão Willian earlier this summer.

The club’s recruitment team view the Dortmund starlet as ready to contribute immediately while possessing the potential to develop into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous wide attackers.

His adaptation to English football will be closely monitored, having left Manchester for Germany as a teenager without making a senior appearance for City.

The homecoming represents both a personal milestone and professional challenge as he seeks to justify Chelsea’s significant investment amid heightened expectations at Stamford Bridge.

As for Dortmund, the substantial fee received will fuel their own rebuilding plans, continuing their renowned model of developing and selling top young talent.

For Chelsea, Gittens’ signing signals their determination to assemble a young, dynamic squad capable of growing together under Pochettino’s guidance – with the English winger now positioned as a central figure in their long-term vision.

With pre-season preparations intensifying, Chelsea fans can expect to see their new attacking weapon in action soon, while Newcastle must quickly pivot to alternative targets as they seek to add much-needed creativity to their frontline before the season’s commencement.