Chelsea are nearing the completion of a transfer for Jamie Gittens, valued at £55.5 million, from Borussia Dortmund.
Both clubs, currently participating in the Club World Cup in the United States, have been engaged in intense negotiations over the past 48 hours. An agreement is anticipated to be finalized early next week.
The 20-year-old Gittens is reportedly ready to end his four-year spell in Germany and make a return to the club where he was previously part of the youth academy setup.
Chelsea had initially aimed to secure the England Under-21 international for around £50 million including potential add-ons, but the final transfer fee is expected to be higher than that figure.
Gittens faced challenges with illness and saw limited playing time during his recent stay in the USA.
Despite having already spent £1.4 billion assembling their current squad, Chelsea`s transfer hierarchy is reportedly eager to bring their former youth prospect back to Stamford Bridge.
Sources suggest the club has offered a lengthy seven-year contract to persuade him to rejoin, following an unsuccessful £42 million bid submitted earlier this month.
Gittens, who changed his surname from Bynoe-Gittens based on his father`s recommendation, enjoyed a breakthrough season with Dortmund.
Before the Club World Cup, the young English talent featured in 48 games across all competitions, starting 34 of them. He contributed significantly with 12 goals and five assists.
In October, at the age of 20 years and 75 days, Gittens made history by becoming the youngest English player to score against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo believes teammate Cole Palmer has the maturity to handle the spotlight and hype surrounding his status as the club`s “superstar”.
The pair were friends during their time at Manchester City`s academy, even though Adarabioyo, 27, is four years older than Palmer.
FIFA has prominently featured Palmer`s image on promotional materials for Chelsea`s matches at the Club World Cup, including their recent last-16 fixture against Benfica.
Adarabioyo commented on Palmer: “Sometimes I tease him and tell him he’s a little superstar. But he handles it very well and he knows his focus is on football.”
