Chelsea have rejected Roma's opening offer for Jamie Gittens, but talks are expected to continue over a possible transfer. The 22-year-old winger faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge after a difficult debut season following his £52m move from Borussia Dortmund last summer.
Gittens' tough first season
Gittens scored just one goal and made five assists in 27 appearances across all competitions before sitting out the second half of the season with a hamstring injury. New £117m signing Morgan Rogers is expected to be the first-choice left-sided attacker under new head coach Xabi Alonso, which could limit Gittens' opportunities.
Roma's interest and Chelsea's stance
Roma are keen to sign a player in that position and turned their attention to the England youth international after missing out on Alejandro Garnacho, who left Chelsea for Aston Villa. According to talkSPORT, Roma made a loan offer for the winger, but it was quickly rejected by the west London club.
Reports from Italy claim talks between the two teams will continue in the coming days, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side expected to make another offer. However, Chelsea have no intention of letting Gittens leave this transfer window after he impressed Alonso during pre-season.
Cover in wide areas
Chelsea also want adequate cover in the wide areas following the sale of Garnacho and with the future of Pedro Neto uncertain. Neto has been linked with Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham and Al-Hilal, but those rumours have cooled with no club willing to meet Chelsea's £100m asking price.
Alonso also has new arrival Geovany Quenda and Mykhailo Mudryk at his disposal, with Chelsea having rejected a loan offer from Leeds for the Ukraine winger in recent days.
