Borussia Dortmund target new loan deal for Chelsea's Carney Chukwuemeka amid injury concerns and eye Brighton youngster as Niko Kovac seeks Jamie Gittens replacement

According to a report from Sport Bild, Dortmund are keen on signing Chukwuemeka on a loan deal for another season, despite Chelsea's preference to sell the player. Having lost Gittens to the Blues earlier this summer, the Bundesliga giants have also shortlisted Brighton youngster Facundo Buonanotte as another top transfer target ahead of the upcoming season, as they aim to strengthen their attack.

Dortmund are not ready to head into the upcoming season with just Jobe Bellingham and Patrick Drewes as reinforcements. They have examined the market for the best opportunities, and were even close to signing one player, but the club has reached the conclusion that Chukwuemeka stands out as the best option, both from a sporting and a financial perspective. Chelsea value the player at £40 million (€46.5m/$54m), but Dortmund are not willing to match the fee. They will propose a loan deal with an option to sign him permanently next summer due to concerns about his fitness. Head coach Kovac, as well as the club hierarchy, remain confident in the young midfielder's abilities after having him on loan for half a season in 2024-25. Interestingly, BVB could be tempted into purchasing the player rather than bringing him on loan, with the report claiming that the Club World Cup champions could consider offloading the 20-year-old for a cut-price €25m (£21.5m/$29m).

On the other hand, Dortmund have intensified their pursuit of young Argentinian attacking midfielder and winger Buonanotte, who has been impressive for Brighton in the Premier League. French side Lyon have also entered the race to sign Buonanotte, but BILD suggest that the 20-year-old has signalled his intention to opt for a move to Signal Iduna Park.

Their attempts to lure Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri failed, with the teenager now close to securing a new deal at the Emirates Stadium. Die Schwarzgelben have been linked with a reunion with Jadon Sancho, but the Manchester United outcast's future remains a mystery. It remains to be seen if they can get deals for both Chukwuemeka and Buonanotte over the line, with the former also finding himself on the radar of Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig.