Chelsea have seen their opening €35 million bid for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens rejected, but the Blues remain undeterred in their pursuit of the highly-rated 20-year-old, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The West London club is expected to return with an improved offer that includes performance-related add-ons, as they look to close the gap with Dortmund’s valuation and strike a deal swiftly.

Gittens, who is believed to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, is reportedly pushing for the transfer to go through. The young Englishman sees Chelsea as the ideal next step in his career, especially under a manager like Enzo Maresca, who is known for developing youthful attacking talent.

The urgency from Chelsea’s side is clear — with the FIFA Club World Cup fast approaching, the Blues want to wrap up the signing in time for Gittens to be eligible for the tournament.

Chelsea will kick off their campaign on June 16 against LAFC in Atlanta, and the club’s hierarchy views Gittens as a player who can make an immediate impact on both the domestic and international stages.

Gittens has long been regarded as one of England’s top emerging wingers, combining pace, flair, and the ability to beat defenders one-on-one. He enjoyed a breakthrough season with Dortmund last year, showcasing his potential in both the Bundesliga and Champions League.

With the summer transfer window heating up and Chelsea showing clear intent to strengthen their squad ahead of a demanding campaign, Gittens could become the latest exciting addition to a youthful Blues setup.