Fabrizio Romano Confirms Chelsea’s Interest in World-Class Winger After Transfer Window Closes

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Chelsea’s interest in acquiring a world-class winger during the ongoing transfer period.

Post Early Window Activity and Unfulfilled Targets

Following the closure of the early summer transfer window on Tuesday, ahead of the Club World Cup, Chelsea’s transfer activity remains intense.

Despite being in discussions for Mike Maignan and Jamie Gittens, those deals did not materialize. Meanwhile, Trevoh Chalobah continues to draw interest from Napoli, adding another layer to Chelsea’s evolving summer plans.

Earlier reports highlighted Chelsea’s need for a top goalkeeper, presenting statistical data supporting Maignan’s potential as a major upgrade. Despite their failure to secure him, there’s an indication that other targets are being actively pursued.

Manchester United Enter the Scene for Ekitike

Manchester United have joined Chelsea and Liverpool in pursuing Hugo Ekitike, having reached out to Eintracht Frankfurt within the last two days.

With a €100 million valuation, Chelsea may soon step back from this pursuit, especially given the escalating competition and price tag.

Romano reports that Chelsea and Arsenal are also eyeing Nico Williams, though salary demands are proving to be a challenge for both English clubs.

Currently, Bayern Munich appears to be the frontrunner in securing Williams, yet Chelsea’s interest persists, despite some claims to the contrary.

Additionally, Chelsea is expected to re-engage in negotiations with Borussia Dortmund for Jamie Gittens, with a new offer anticipated soon.

Delap Signs, Gittens in Focus

Chelsea recently confirmed their first summer signing, completing a £30 million deal with Ipswich for Liam Delap. However, further reinforcements remain a priority.

The Blues are looking for a striker, a centre-back, and a right-footed winger to strengthen Enzo Maresca’s squad. One of the most pressing needs is a left winger, following the exit of Jadon Sancho.

Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund is currently Chelsea’s top target for that role.

The club aimed to finalize a deal before the Club World Cup but faced multiple rejected bids. Nonetheless, personal terms on a seven-year contract with the England under-21 international have already been agreed.

Romano recently shared updates confirming Chelsea’s readiness to return to the negotiating table.

“Sources confirm that Chelsea are prepared to return in negotiations with Borussia Dortmund soon to re-discuss terms and try to reach an agreement, their plans include Bynoe-Gittens and a new proposal could be on the table already in the next days,” he stated.

Gittens registered 12 goals for Dortmund last season, including four in the Champions League, making him a fitting prospect for Maresca’s system.

Other Winger Targets and Transfer Window Timeline

Should Chelsea fail to secure Gittens, the club is also keeping tabs on Alejandro Garnacho and Nico Williams. Even though the early summer window closed on June 10, clubs will have another opportunity to make signings later in the month.

Chelsea intends to continue transfer efforts during this gap period, though new signings cannot be officially registered until the window reopens.

Maresca’s Tactical Requirements and Gittens Deal Hopes

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has received Liam Delap but is pushing for more additions, specifically a goalkeeper, a centre-back, and a winger.

High-calibre options are scarce this summer, which has made closing deals difficult. Despite this, Chelsea remains determined to secure their top winger target, Jamie Gittens.

Dortmund rejected Chelsea’s multiple bids in the early window, with the two sides unable to agree on the winger’s valuation.

Dortmund director Sebastian Kehl acknowledged: “In the end, we didn’t come to an agreement on Jamie because we have different ideas about the player’s current value. But the talks were very, very respectful. We have been in very good dialogue with Chelsea for many years.

And yet we have a different point of view and are happy that Jamie will now be part of our team at the Club World Cup and are delighted that he is staying. I’m not responsible for the late offer. But of course I still have to deal with it and that’s what we’ve done. Let’s see how things develop in the future.”

Chelsea Set to Return with Fresh Offer

Romano has suggested Chelsea may be preparing a renewed approach.

“Sources confirm that Chelsea are prepared to return in negotiations with Borussia Dortmund soon to re-discuss terms and try to reach an agreement, their plans include Bynoe-Gittens and a new proposal could be on the table already in the next days,” he reiterated.

Chelsea’s previous bids were reported to be around £29.6 million, but Dortmund is reportedly holding firm at a £55 million valuation.

The significant gap between the clubs may complicate the deal, though Gittens himself is said to be keen on the move.

Chelsea remains hopeful of reaching an agreement before the end of the summer window, driven by the scarcity of quality wingers available at a reasonable price.