Chelsea are reportedly on the lookout for a new wide forward this month, with Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens linked.
Gittens has been one of European football’s standout players this season, registering 14 G/A contributions across all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit.
Understandably, his form has attracted the attention of clubs across the continent, with the Blues, alongside Manchester United, tipped to compete for his signature, as per football.london.
But the Chelsea hierarchy could have a secret weapon lying in their ranks to help fend off the competition for Gittens.
Current Chelsea star Jadon Sancho is believed to be a good friend of Gittens and could help convince him to choose Stamford Bridge ahead of Old Trafford.
Commenting on his relationship with Sancho, Gittens told German outlet WAZ: “I’ve learned a lot from Jadon. For example, that I have to play with one or two touches more often, that I have to offer deeper runs more often. And when he plays, he enjoys himself; I’ve learned that too. Jadon is a friend.”
Gittens revealed Sancho dropped him a message after he opened the scoring for Borussia Dortmund against Bayern Munich in Der Klassiker earlier this season.
The attacker added: “He wrote to me to say: ‘Keep it up’,” Gittens said. “‘It’s your time to show everyone what you can do’. He is a top player and also a top friend.”
Given how Sancho’s move from Dortmund to United went, Gittens could well be persuaded by the advice from his close friend.
Any move in January or even the summer is likely to cost Chelsea a hefty amount, with Dortmund said to value the 20-year-old at around £84.5million.
But Gittens has already passed up the chance to join Chelsea, having snubbed the capital club early on in his career.
Speaking to the Secret Scout, he explained: “I’m from Reading and started when I was about four…
“My dad used to play cricket so I was caught between football and cricket.
“I played a little but obviously football turned out better. I then went to Reading, and was also at Chelsea too for a bit.
“I got to under-9s level where I had to pick between Reading and Chelsea. I picked Reading and stayed there until under-14s.”
Gittens has scored 16 goals and provided a further 14 assists in the 84 matches he’s played for Dortmund since breaking into the professional set-up with the German giants three years ago.
The Reading-born ace is under contract at the Westfalenstadion until the summer of 2028.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk