Chelsea prioritising Jamie Gittens transfer after failed move before Club World Cup but identify two Premier League stars as potential alternatives

According to The Guardian, the Blues are intensifying their pursuit of Gittens as Enzo Maresca seeks to bolster his attacking options with a right-footed left winger. Earlier in the month, Dortmund turned down a £42 million ($56.26m) proposal from Chelsea, deeming the bid insufficient for a player they value at closer to £50m ($67m). However, with personal terms already agreed between Gittens and the London club, Chelsea are expected to return with a revised offer in a bid to finalise the deal.

While confidence remains high that Gittens will eventually be a Chelsea player, the club is preparing contingency plans. Lyon's Malick Fofana has emerged as a credible backup option should the German side refuse to budge on their asking price.

Maresca currently has few natural options on the wings. Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke are both left-footed, making them better suited for the right flank, while youngster Tyrique George lacks top-level experience. As Chelsea brace for a congested fixture calendar with Champions League commitments next season, depth and adaptability have become a major focus of their recruitment drive.

Chelsea have touched base with Brighton regarding a potential move for Joao Pedro. The Brazilian forward, who is valued at around £60m ($80m), has also attracted interest from Newcastle United, with the Magpies reportedly further along in negotiations.

The west London club have also assessed RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, but both cases present financial roadblocks. Frankfurt’s £84m ($113m) valuation of Ekitike has been deemed excessive by Chelsea, effectively ruling out an immediate pursuit.

Chelsea have also expressed strong interest in West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus. The Ghanaian attacker, who is also on the radar of Manchester United, Newcastle and another unnamed Premier League club, could be a marquee addition if negotiations progress. Initial conversations between Chelsea and the Hammers have taken place, with the Blues exploring the possibility of a player-plus-cash deal. West Ham, however, have shown no appetite for swaps and remain firm in their stance for a direct transfer. Kudus has an £85m ($114m) release clause valid exclusively for Premier League clubs during the first ten days of July, a clause Chelsea may activate if their other options stall.

Maresca is now busy training his troops in the United States for the ongoing Club World Cup, where they will be back in action on Friday against Flamengo after making a winning start to their campaign over LAFC. However, offices at Stamford Bridge are buzzing as the Blues are looking forward to another busy transfer window, with Maresca determined to build a squad that aims to contend both at home and in Europe.