CONFIRMED: Chelsea 'very keen' on Garnacho alternative

Cameron Smith

Updated: 7 Feb 2025 16:29 GMT
3 min read

Chelsea reportedly remain “very keen” on signing Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi this summer.

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Enzo Maresca’s side were linked with a move for the 23-year-old during the January transfer window, but they were unable to finalise an agreement to purchase him and Adeyemi stayed put at the Signal Iduna Park.

However, the Blues are still eager to bring the German winger to Stamford Bridge and could revisit a deal this summer.

That is according to Bild journalist Christian Falk, who told CaughtOffside: “Chelsea are still interested in Karim Adeyemi.

“I think Adeyemi will leave Dortmund in the summer. It wasn’t his plan to make a move in the winter. It was interesting with Napoli because he’s a player who can get injured due to how quickly he plays the game.

“A country that’s a little bit warmer, however, would fit his playing style a bit better. They came up with a good offer but, in the end, he preferred to stay in Dortmund until the summer.

“Adeyemi’s agents are in talks with many clubs, especially in the Premier League. We know Chelsea are very keen on him still, but that’s not the only club of the Big Six in the Premier League with interest. So, I think we’ll see Adeyemi move to one of these clubs in England this summer.”

Adeyemi has two-and-a-half years remaining on his current Dortmund contract, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €41.4m.

He has scored five goals and provided six assists in 16 appearances across all competitions so far this season, although his injury record is patchy and this could be a problem given Chelsea’s recent troubles in that department.

© IMAGO - Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Borussia Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi

Chelsea’s summer transfer plans

Adeyemi is one of several players to have been linked with a move to Chelsea during the 2025 summer transfer window, with the west London giants expected to spend big again.

Maresca’s side remain interested in Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Adeyemi’s team-mate Jamie Gittens, while Crystal Palace stalwart Marc Guehi is a key defensive target.

In addition, Chelsea are set to sign a new centre forward amid Nicolas Jackson’s struggles in front of goal and their failure to sign Victor Osimhen last summer.