Arsenal lead Jamie Gittens transfer race as £43m star 'makes dressing room announcement'

have taken the lead in the race for winger Jamie Gittens, according to reports. have also shown a strong interest in the 20-year-old, who is believed to have let his team-mates in on his future plans by speaking out in the dressing room.

Englishman Gittens spent time in the academies of and before moving to Germany in 2020. There, he rose through the ranks with BVB - a club with a reputation for bringing through young talent - and he has been in and around the first team for the past four seasons. This campaign has been his best to date, with eight goals in 30 matches and four more in the .

According to one of Dortmund's local newspapers, , Arsenal have been 'lobbying hard' for Gittens. Their efforts are understood to have seen them move ahead of Chelsea in the tussle for his signature.

The Blues have reportedly been in contact with Gittens' entourage to lay the groundwork for a summer transfer. Dortmund, who have historically been happy to part with top players if their valuations are met, would find an offer in excess of £43million ''.

Although he has not yet disclosed where he will be going, Gittens has informed team-mates in the dressing room that he intends to leave Dortmund this summer.

The England Under-21 international has scored 17 goals in 102 games for the German club, who sit fifth in the Bundesliga. He could provide extra competition for Arsenal's left-wing berth, which is currently occupied by Gabriel Martinelli.

Brazilian international Martinelli is enjoying a decent campaign, with 11 goal contributions in 30 Premier League games. But many Gunners fans feel that his position is one of only a few in Mikel Arteta's squad that could be strengthened.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, as Arteta is rumoured to be a big fan. But Gittens could prove to be more affordable and attainable, unless Chelsea are able to make a compelling sales pitch.

The Blues have managed to lure a hoard of young stars to Stamford Bridge by offering the kind of long-term contracts that aren't found anywhere else in the Premier League. But concerningly for Gittens, Enzo Maresca's squad is already well-stocked with wide players, and the emergence of academy graduate Tyrique George has only increased the level of competition.