The 20-year-old winger’s future has been a hot topic this summer after falling out of favour with manager Niko Kovac during the latter part of last season. ..Continue Reading
Gittens reportedly became disillusioned with his limited role, prompting Chelsea to reach out to both the player and Dortmund.
Reports earlier this month suggested that Chelsea had already agreed personal terms with Gittens, who is said to be keen on returning to English football.
However, the Blues have seen two bids rejected, with Dortmund valuing the youngster at around €60 million (£51 million).
Bayern Munich’s growing interest has added another layer of complexity to Chelsea’s pursuit, especially as the German champions look for alternatives to Nico Williams, who appears set for a move to Barcelona.
Despite the speculation, Kehl confirmed that there has been no contact between Dortmund and Bayern over Gittens at this point.
‘I’m not currently in contact with Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl,’ Kehl said when asked about the rumours in Dortmund’s Club World Cup training session in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
‘But otherwise we have a very good relationship. ‘Nevertheless, there’s nothing to say on the subject at the moment.’
Bayern Munich are reportedly considering several high-profile names for their attacking reinforcements this summer, with Rafael Leão, Cody Gakpo, Bradley Barcola, and Kaoru Mitoma joining Jamie Gittens on their shortlist.
Sporting director Max Eberl had initially traveled with Vincent Kompany’s squad for the Club World Cup in the U.S. and was expected to stay for the entire tournament.
However, he made an unplanned return to Germany three days ago to handle pressing transfer matters—a move mirrored by Borussia Dortmund executives Hans-Joachim Watzke and Carsten Cramer.
‘They’re both traveling a lot, have many appointments, but will be back soon,’ he added.
‘This has to do with many issues. These aren’t transfer issues. We’re already following them here.’
Kehl revealed last week that discussions were ongoing between Dortmund and Gittens with a view to finding a resolution over the Englishman’s future.
‘We’ve had one or two conversations with Jamie in the last few days,’ he said following BVB’s goalless draw with Fluminense.
‘He’s professional enough to know that he has to perform. That’s part of his nature.
‘Jamie will still be very important for us in this tournament. We’ll see what happens after that.
‘But I don’t have a negative opinion of him.’
