Chelsea have perfect Jamie Gittens welcoming gift as Enzo Maresca transfer request granted

Chelsea have the perfect welcoming gift waiting for Jamie Gittens. The Borussia Dortmund winger, 20, was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge ahead of the Club World Cup - but the Blues couldn't wrap up a deal before the tournament's registration deadline.

football.london understands that Chelsea had a £42m bid rejected earlier this month, but they have since reached a £55m agreement with the Bundesliga outfit. Gittens - who is set to become the west Londoners' fourth signing of the summer - is set to sign a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

The England U21 international is currently gearing up for Dortmund's clash vs Monterrey in Atlanta on Tuesday as Niko Kovac steps up preparations for the round of 16 game. Gittens won't be eligible to feature for Chelsea at the Club World Cup this month because he's cup-tied.

READ MORE: Can Jamie Gittens play for Chelsea at Club World Cup after £55m Borussia Dortmund transfer agreed?

READ MORE: Liverpool to gift Chelsea huge windfall from next transfer as Arne Slot eyes Premier League star

Instead, he'll likely use the time with Enzo Maresca's side to get to know his new teammates ahead of the new season. The Blues boss will hope Gittens can settle quickly, with many of his former teammates - domestic and international - already well established in the squad.

If the youngster needs a bit of help, Chelsea can always offer him his dream shirt number. At Borussia Dortmund, Gittens donned the No.43 jersey, which is currently available at Stamford Bridge.

Ted Curd was assigned the number when he was named on the bench in the first leg of Conference League semi-final. The 19-year-old goalkeeper watched from the sidelines as the Blues enjoyed a 4-1 away win over Djurgardens.

It was Curd's only appearance in the Chelsea matchday squad, making it more or less available for Gittens. The west Londoners' new signing also donned No.7 when he briefly featured for the Dortmund Under-19s, but that number is currently taken by Pedro Neto.

There aren't many popular numbers left to choose from; with 2, 13, 16, 20, previously worn by Cole Palmer, 21, 26 and 28, among others too, up for grabs. Until last year, Gittens had a double-barrelled last name on his shirt.

In an interview with the Bundesliga website, the Englishman explained why he decided to drop 'Bynoe'. Gittens said: "Both are the names of my father, but he said that he thinks it's better if I'm only called Gittens because it's shorter.

"Most people know him as Gittens, so I'll only play with Gittens too in the future," he added.

Nevertheless, Maresca has finally got his hands on a new left winger. His prayers have been answered.

Speaking with reporters ahead of Chelsea's 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in the Club World Cup earlier this month, the Blues boss was quizzed on the summer transfer window. He outlined his demand for a new winger - following Jadon Sancho's return to Manchester United.

"Jadon is not with us," said Maresca. "So, for sure, that is a position that probably we need to do something. Also, because Misha [Mudryk] is not with us. At this moment, we have Noni [Madueke], Pedro [Neto] and Ty [George] as proper wingers.

"So, for sure, something is going to happen there."