Chelsea’s pursuit of a dynamic, right-footed left winger has intensified under Enzo Maresca, with Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens and Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho emerging as prime targets.
As the Blues aim to bolster their attack for the 2025/26 Premier League season and a return to the Champions League, both 20-year-old wingers offer exciting potential but present distinct profiles. The question lies, which player better suits the club’s ambitions, tactical setup, and long-term vision?
Jamie Gittens
A former Manchester City youth product, Gittens moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2020 and has since blossomed into one of the Bundesliga’s most promising talents. The England U21 international enjoyed a breakout 2024/25 season, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. Known for his electric dribbling and goal-scoring instinct, Gittens has drawn interest from Chelsea and Bayern Munich, with Dortmund valuing him at around £50m after rejecting a £42m bid from the Blues.
Alejandro Garnacho
Garnacho, an Argentina international, rose through Manchester United’s academy and became a regular first-team player, notching 10 goals and 10 assists in 55 appearances during the 2024/25 season. Despite his flair and knack for big moments—like scoring in the 2023/24 FA Cup final—his relationship with United manager Ruben Amorim has soured, making him available for a reported £60-70m. Chelsea’s interest in Garnacho dates back to January 2025, though they’ve since prioritized Gittens.
• Alejandro Garnacho
— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) June 23, 2025
• Jamie Gittens
Who would you rather Chelsea sign? 💭 pic.twitter.com/SSeqZ2HIHx
Tactical Fit in Maresca’s System
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea favours a possession-based 4-2-3-1, with wingers expected to stretch defenses, create chances, and contribute goals. The left winger role, in particular, demands a right-footed player who can cut inside to shoot or combine with teammates, while also tracking back defensively. Chelsea’s current options—Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, and the suspended Mykhailo Mudryk—have been inconsistent, underscoring the need for a reliable starter.
Gittens thrives as a direct, one-v-one winger who excels at taking on defenders. Ranking in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 minutes (3.57) among attacking midfielders and wingers, his ability to glide past opponents with pace and balance suits Maresca’s need for a dynamic outlet. His 12 goals last season highlight a clinical edge, though his playmaking (1.07 key passes per 90) and crossing need refinement. Gittens’ work rate off the ball aligns with Chelsea’s high-pressing system, and at 20, he fits the club’s youth-focused recruitment strategy under Todd Boehly. His familiarity with English football from his City days could ease his transition.
Garnacho offers versatility, capable of playing on either flank or as a second striker. His 1.68 key passes and 5.8 progressive carries per 90 minutes showcase his ability to drive forward and create, though his decision-making in the final third can be erratic. Garnacho’s 21 goal involvements last season (10 goals, 11 assists) slightly edge out Gittens, but his inconsistency—evidenced by a 16-game Premier League goal-and-assist drought—raises concerns. Defensively, he’s less disciplined than Gittens, which could frustrate Maresca’s structured approach. However, Garnacho’s proven Premier League experience and trophy-winning mentality (three major honors at United) add a layer of reliability for a Chelsea side craving silverware.
The table below shows key metrics per 90 minutes for Gittens (Bundesliga) and Garnacho (Premier League).
Metric | Jamie Gittens | Alejandro Garnacho |
|---|---|---|
Goals | 0.38 | 0.27 |
Assists | 0.16 | 0.27 |
Shot-Creating Actions | 4.12 | 3.63 |
Successful Take-Ons | 3.57 | 2.10 |
Progressive Carries | 5.53 | 5.80 |
Key Passes | 1.07 | 1.68 |
Tackles + Interceptions | 1.20 | 0.90 |
Analysis:
- Creativity: Garnacho’s higher assists and key passes suggest he’s more of a playmaker, creating for others at a slightly better rate. However, his shot-creating actions trail Gittens, who generates more overall attacking opportunities.
- Dribbling: Gittens’ elite take-on success rate (99th percentile) dwarfs Garnacho’s, making him a nightmare for fullbacks and ideal for breaking down compact defenses.
- Defense: Gittens’ higher tackles and interceptions align better with Maresca’s pressing system, giving him an edge in Chelsea’s high-intensity setup.
Goal Threat: Gittens outscores Garnacho, reflecting his sharper finishing and hunger for goals. His “crazy for goals” profile, as noted by fans on X, makes him a potential solution to Chelsea’s left-wing scoring woes since Eden Hazard’s departure in 2019.
Verdict: Gittens’ superior goal-scoring and dribbling make him the more immediate impact player for Chelsea, though Garnacho’s playmaking offers a different dimension.
Transfer Feasibility
Chelsea’s pursuit of Gittens has been relentless, with a £42m bid rejected and negotiations ongoing. Dortmund’s £50m valuation is steep but more affordable than Garnacho’s price tag. Bayern Munich’s interest adds urgency, but Gittens’ frustration over the stalled move to Chelsea suggests he’s open to the transfer. His contract until 2028 gives Dortmund leverage, but Chelsea’s persistence could secure a deal before the window closes.
Manchester United’s £60-70m asking price reflects Garnacho’s Premier League pedigree and potential, but it’s a significant gamble for a player with attitude concerns. Reports of a strained relationship with Amorim and public complaints about limited minutes have annoyed United fans, and similar behavior could alienate Chelsea supporters. Napoli, Barcelona, and others are also in the race, but Chelsea’s interest has cooled, with Garnacho now a fallback option if Gittens talks collapse. A loan-to-buy deal has been mooted, which could reduce risk.
Chelsea’s Strategic Choice
Jamie Gittens is the superior target. His elite dribbling, goal-scoring instinct, and defensive work rate align perfectly with Maresca’s system, while his £50m price tag and eagerness to join make him a feasible signing. Gittens’ raw potential and English background position him as a future star who can grow with Chelsea’s young core, potentially solving the left-wing puzzle for years to come.
Garnacho, while talented, carries too many red flags—attitude concerns, a higher price, and inconsistent output—that clash with Chelsea’s need for stability and immediate impact. His playmaking and Premier League experience are appealing, but he feels like a fallback option rather than a priority. If Chelsea secure Gittens, they’d be betting on a player with a higher ceiling and fewer risks, perfectly suited to their ambitious rebuild.
Chelsea should double down on Gittens, meeting Dortmund’s valuation to secure a transformative talent. Garnacho remains a viable Plan B, but only if negotiations for Gittens collapse and a loan-to-buy structure mitigates the financial risk.
