London’s football scene is buzzing, and Arsenal have just elbowed their way to the front of the pack in the hunt for Borussia Dortmund’s electric winger, Jamie Gittens. The 20-year-old Englishman, who’s been turning heads in the Bundesliga, is now within reach after Dortmund slashed their asking price from a jaw-dropping €100 million to a far more digestible €50 million. It’s a rare chance for the Gunners to snag a talent who’s been on every big club’s radar, and they’re not wasting time.
Gittens, a former Manchester City youth product, has been a bright spot in a rocky season for Dortmund. He’s racked up 11 goals and four assists in 35 matches across all competitions, showing a knack for slicing through defenses from the left wing. His standout moment came against Bayern Munich last November, when he danced past defenders to score a stunner that earned Dortmund a point. That kind of flair has Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta licking his chops, especially with the club hunting for a spark to bolster their attack.
Chelsea, long seen as the frontrunners, are still in the mix, but Arsenal’s recent push has shifted the momentum. The Blues, under Enzo Maresca, are grappling with gaps on their left flank, especially with Mykhailo Mudryk’s future cloudy after a failed drugs test. Yet, Arsenal’s scouts have been tracking Gittens for months, and their persistence is paying off. Tottenham, Liverpool, and Manchester United have also sniffed around, but the Gunners are moving with purpose.
Dortmund’s decision to halve Gittens’ price, reported on April 16, stems from a brutal reality check. The German giants are languishing in the Bundesliga’s bottom half, a far cry from their usual perch near the top. Missing out on Champions League football next season is a real threat, and their new manager, Niko Kovac, has shifted to a formation that sidelines Gittens’ natural role. The club’s brass, once adamant about keeping their star, now see a sale as inevitable. Gittens himself has made it clear he wants out, with the Premier League his dream destination.
The winger’s camp is already in talks with interested clubs. On April 25, reports surfaced that Chelsea offered to double his current salary to €6-7 million a year, but Arsenal’s interest is gaining traction. Dortmund, while open to a deal, are still holding firm at €50 million, a figure that’s steep but not impossible for a player with Gittens’ ceiling. His contract runs until 2028, giving Dortmund some leverage, but the lowered price tag signals they’re ready to cash in.
Arsenal’s edge comes down to timing and fit. Arteta’s system thrives on dynamic wingers, and Gittens’ pace and directness could slot in seamlessly alongside Bukayo Saka. Chelsea, meanwhile, are juggling multiple targets and a squad in flux. The race isn’t over, but Arsenal are outpacing their rivals for now.
Gittens has 16 goal involvements in 33 appearances this season. He’s played 22 Bundesliga matches, scoring seven goals, and added four in nine Champions League games. Dortmund’s initial €100 million valuation was reported in February, but by March, they were considering offers between €60-70 million before settling at €50 million in April.