Chelsea are on the verge of completing the signing of highly-rated winger Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, the Bundesliga club have confirmed.

The 20-year-old Englishman is set to join the Blues on a long-term contract, following the agreement of a reported £55 million deal between the two clubs. Both teams are currently competing in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

In an official statement released on Thursday, Dortmund said:

“Borussia Dortmund's attacking player Jamie Gittens (20) is on the verge of a transfer to English Premier League club Chelsea FC.

“All parties involved reached an agreement in principle today, Thursday, in Fort Lauderdale (USA). The contractual details are still being finalised.”

Return to England

Born in Reading, Gittens began his career in England and spent time in Manchester City’s academy before making the move to Germany in 2020. His return to English football marks the latest step in a promising career that has already seen him make significant contributions in one of Europe’s top leagues.

Dortmund’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, admitted the negotiations were far from straightforward but acknowledged the deal meets the club’s expectations.

“The negotiations with Chelsea were challenging, but in the end, we are pleased that we can most likely fulfil our expectations and secure planning certainty,” Kehl said.

“Jamie is an outstanding talent who has brought us a lot of joy. It was his desire to take the next step in his career at Chelsea, and we wish him the very best and much success for the future.”

Gittens has made 76 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund, scoring 12 goals, and has featured regularly in their UEFA Champions League campaigns.

Busy window for Chelsea

Chelsea have already been active in the summer transfer window. Joao Pedro joined from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth a reported £60 million, while England Under-21 international Liam Delap was brought in from Ipswich Town.

Despite speculation swirling around Gittens’ imminent arrival, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was tight-lipped when asked about the transfer ahead of his side’s Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras in Philadelphia.

“I was flying and watching the Palmeiras match,” Maresca told reporters. “I don’t know anything yet. Probably something will happen, but I don’t have any more information at the moment.”