Strategic hesitation costs Arsenal again? Key attacking target slips away

Arsenal look set to lose out on Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, with Chelsea nearing an agreement for the Borussia Dortmund winger amid late interest from Bayern Munich.

The 20-year-old is understood to have agreed personal terms with Chelsea over a seven-year contract, and talks between the clubs are ongoing as they aim to reach a fee.

Dortmund have rejected Chelsea’s most recent bid, worth £42 million in instalments, but there is optimism on all sides that a deal can be finalised soon.

David Ornstein reported that the move could be “done imminently,” with both clubs continuing discussions during their respective Club World Cup campaigns in the United States.

Gittens is said to be fully committed to Chelsea’s project, leaving Arsenal and Bayern needing a late breakthrough to change the course of the deal.

Arsenal had been monitoring Gittens as part of their wide-forward search this summer, but Chelsea’s decisive move has left them on the back foot.

The Gunners’ cautious approach has seen them miss out on top targets before, and the signs are pointing toward a repeat unless there is a major twist.

Bayern Munich have also accelerated their pursuit after missing out on Florian Wirtz and falling behind in the race for Nico Williams. Talks have opened with Dortmund and the player’s camp, though Chelsea remain the clear frontrunners.

Arsenal, who have already seen Williams lean towards Barcelona, now find themselves reacting rather than dictating the market. Their wider recruitment strategy remains active, with interest also shown in Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, but no negotiations have taken place.

Madueke could become more available if Chelsea land Gittens, though Arsenal’s attention is yet to firmly settle on a single alternative.

The club have long admired Bundesliga talents, with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko previously linked, but hesitation continues to define their window.

Gittens, widely regarded as one of England’s brightest young wingers, offers pace, flair and two-footed balance on either flank. His form in Germany has caught the attention of top clubs across Europe, and Chelsea’s proactive stance could now secure another highly rated talent.

For Arsenal, the window remains open, but the margin for error is shrinking. In a summer where key wide options are being snapped up fast, they risk being left behind — again.

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