Arsenal have reportedly won the race to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, edging out rivals Chelsea in a tug-of-war for the England Under-21 international.
According to Ruhr Nachrichten, the 20-year-old has already said his goodbyes to teammates in Dortmund, with a summer move to England now all but sealed.
Despite a recent upturn in form and praise from head coach Niko Kovac, Bynoe-Gittens has opted for a transfer after becoming frustrated with his limited opportunities.
Chelsea had reportedly initiated contact in recent weeks, but Arsenal are now in pole position.
Sources close to the deal suggest the Gunners have made a more compelling pitch to the young attacker, who is said to favour a switch to them.
Bynoe-Gittens impressed this season, bagging 12 goals and five assists in 40 appearances. He lost steam midway through the campaign but has looked better recently.
He would provide competition for Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank, giving the Gunners another lethal option.
Dortmund had played down rumours of an imminent exit, claiming they want to keep the young talent.
However, interest from multiple Premier League clubs and a likely bid in the region of €50-60 million appears to have shifted the stance behind the scenes.
While Kovac has handed Bynoe-Gittens two consecutive starts and publicly praised his development, the decision seems too little, too late.
With the season about to end, Arsenal look to be closing in on a crucial summer addition. It is also a blow to Chelsea’s recruitment plans.
His return to England now looks imminent, and Arsenal fans can expect fireworks from a player keen to prove himself on home soil.
