Chelsea failed to meet Dortmund's Gittens demands, says Ricken

Chelsea made an offer for Jamie Gittens prior to the Club World Cup but did not meet Borussia Dortmund's valuation of the winger, according to managing director Lars Ricken.

Gittens, who has been capped up to Under-21 level by England, has been touted as a key target for Chelsea as they prepare to return to the Champions League in 2025-26.

Earlier this month, reports claimed Dortmund knocked back the Blues' £42m offer for the 20-year-old winger ahead of both clubs taking part in the Club World Cup.

Speaking to Sky Sports in Germany on the eve of BVB's final group-stage game against Ulsan, Ricken confirmed that the bid was rejected due to a difference in valuation and a feeling that Dortmund would struggle to source a replacement.  

"As long as Jamie plays for us, he will give everything for Borussia Dortmund, and he shows that every day," Ricken said.

"He takes on his role absolutely professionally. The identification with the club is clearly noticeable in him, even if the move to Chelsea did not come about in the end. 

"Of course, there was an offer, but it came at very short notice, so we as a club would not have been able to react at all. 

"A transfer has to be right for all sides – for the player, for the buying club and also for us.

"We are not known for selling our players below value, and that also applies to Jamie."

Gittens made 32 appearances in the Bundesliga in 2024-25, scoring eight goals – double the combined tally he managed across his first three campaigns in Germany.

Gittens attempted 160 dribbles and completed 77, both team-high figures for Dortmund, while he also created 21 chances as they salvaged a fourth-place finish after a poor start.