Arsenal are ‘Leading’ Chelsea in the Race to Sign £43m Forward – Report | OneFootball

Arsenal Lead Race for Jamie Gittens as Dortmund Star Eyes Premier League Return

Arsenal have reportedly surged ahead in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, with Chelsea also in the hunt. According to The Express, Gittens has privately informed his Dortmund team-mates that he plans to leave the club this summer — a development that’s turned heads in North London.

The 20-year-old winger, who began his youth career at Reading before moving to Manchester City and then to Germany in 2020, has enjoyed his breakthrough season at the Westfalenstadion. Gittens has featured in 30 Bundesliga matches this term, scoring eight goals and notching four more in the Champions League — a tally that has caught the attention of top clubs across Europe.

“Arsenal have been ‘lobbying hard’ for Gittens,” The Express reports, citing German outlet Ruhr Nachrichten. Their pursuit has apparently placed them in pole position, ahead of Chelsea, who have also held conversations with the player’s entourage.

Why Arsenal Are Keen

Gittens’ pace, flair, and goal threat make him a tantalising prospect. A £43million valuation has been placed on him by Dortmund, and the club would reportedly find such an offer “difficult to refuse.” His versatility on the left flank and proven track record in top-level European competition have made him a natural target for Arsenal’s continued squad evolution under Mikel Arteta.

Photo IMAGO

While Gabriel Martinelli currently occupies the left-wing slot, questions remain about his consistency. As The Express points out, “many Gunners fans feel that his position is one of only a few in Mikel Arteta’s squad that could be strengthened.”

Gittens could be the answer to that debate — not necessarily as a replacement, but as fierce competition. At just 20, he still has ample room to grow, but he’s already shown he can deliver against Europe’s best. The England U21 international has 17 goals in 102 senior appearances — impressive for someone still early in his career.

Chelsea’s Challenge and Risk

Chelsea, ever-aggressive in the youth market, have built a reputation for handing out long-term contracts and assembling a deep pool of young talent. Gittens would not be short of company at Stamford Bridge — and perhaps that’s the problem.

As The Express puts it, “Enzo Maresca’s squad is already well-stocked with wide players,” including new academy standout Tyrique George. That could be a factor working against the Blues in their pitch to Gittens, who may not relish a rotational role with limited starts.

Photo: IMAGO

Gittens or Nico? Arsenal’s Wing Dilemma

Arsenal have also been linked with Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, another exciting winger who would cost significantly more and face fierce competition for his signature. However, Gittens may be the smarter, more accessible signing in this window.

“Gittens could prove to be more affordable and attainable,” The Express noted — particularly if Arsenal move swiftly to strike a deal before Chelsea gain momentum.

At £43m, this is a calculated gamble. But it’s one that may pay off handsomely if Arteta and sporting director Edu see the England youth star as a long-term pillar of the Gunners’ wide attack.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As an Arsenal supporter, the prospect of Jamie Gittens swapping yellow and black for red and white is absolutely thrilling. This is precisely the kind of forward-thinking signing that reflects Mikel Arteta’s evolving vision for the club: young, dynamic, technically gifted, and hungry.

What’s particularly exciting is Gittens’ pedigree. He’s honed his skills in a demanding Bundesliga environment and has shown he can rise to the challenge in the Champions League. That’s a player with European experience and a hunger to succeed — the type who fits seamlessly into the Emirates ethos.

And let’s talk tactics. Gittens would bring high-octane energy, one-on-one skill, and a genuine goal threat — everything you want in a modern wide forward. Yes, Martinelli has had his moments this season, but imagine the rotation and dual threat on the left that would keep defenders constantly guessing.

It’s also refreshing to see Arsenal acting proactively. Instead of waiting until prices soar, we’re “lobbying hard” now, according to The Express. This shows serious intent — the kind of sharp, strategic work in the market that could make the difference in a title race.

If Arsenal can wrap up this deal, it sends a message: we’re not just competing, we’re planning to dominate.

Let’s get it done.