Chelsea make transfer deadline bid for Dutch forward

Chelsea have made a transfer approach for Dutch under-18 striker Julian Rijkhoff, currently playing for Eredivisie giants Ajax. The 19-year-old striker made his debut for Ajax this year, and is considered one of the club's brightest talents. Chelsea are understood to have bid £20 million to sign Rijkhoff and as part of the deal the striker can return back to Ajax on loan for the 2024-25 season.

Rijkhoff has previously played for Borussia Dortmund, and only recently returned to his boyhood club Ajax for a second spell.

Rijkhoff made his first appearances for the club's starting team last season, playing ten games in all competitions. He has yet to force his way into the starting XI on a regular basis, but that hasn't stopped Chelsea's scouting network from monitoring the youngster's performances for Ajax's youth team, Jong Ajax. Rijkhoff continued to impress for the second string side.

The Blues are confident that a deal can be agreed in time before the transfer window slams shut tomorrow evening, and Rijkhoff will be confirmed as a Chelsea player on a long-term contract.