Chelsea preparing shock move for Liverpool’s No.1 target Timo Werner
Chelsea are reportedly plotting a shock move for RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner, who turns out to be a top target for fellow Premier League outfit Liverpool. The German striker has been widely speculated to favour a move to Anfield next season, with the Blues now looking to throw a spanner in the works.
Earlier a report surfaced that the Reds have given up their interest in Werner as they were unwilling to meet his release clause of €53m. Instead, Jurgen Klopp’s side have decided to go for the German international next summer when his release clause drops to €35m.
Manchester United and Barcelona are also said to be keeping tabs on the 24-year-old, with Inter Milan no longer his preferred destination, confirmed by their sporting director Piero Ausilio.
Werner’s excellent form continues
Even the brief hiatus from football couldn’t keep Werner away from the spotlight. The German forward hasn’t shown any signs of rustiness since the return of Bundesliga, bagging four goals including the impressive hattrick against Mainz, which makes it up to his tally of 25 goals and 7 assists this season.
Werner has also been a driving force behind Leipzig’s impressive Champions League run this term, racking up 4 goals and 2 assists in the process.
The former Stuttgart star has also been the catalyst for Julian Nagelsmann’s side, who are currently sitting third in the Bundesliga table.
How will Werner fit into Chelsea’s 11?
Frank Lampard’s side already boasts a flurry of attacking options and the inclusion of Werner would only make them a force to reckon with in the next season.
The Leipzig star has primarily operated as a centre-forward or as a support striker under Nagelsmann this season although he has shown his ability to act as an inside forward.
Werner can stir the competition with Tammy Abraham should he ever make his switch to the Stamford Bridge. The English striker has regressed lately despite getting off to a flying start this season. Nonetheless, having two world-class strikers at their disposal would be an icing on the cake for the Blues.
Werner can drastically improve the interplay with the fellow attackers – the aspect that Abraham has lacked for the most of the season. His dribbling ability and an eye for creativity – 1.7 dribbles and 1.4 key passes this season – would help Lampard’s men a lot against the inferior teams who look to sit deep. Not to mention his finishing, which is way better than Abraham.
Unlike Abraham, Werner can run the channels – as a part of his weaponry – and would be deadly in the counters courtesy of his blistering pace. He would also like to make blindsided runs accurately, which could prove deadly against the defenders who prefer to maintain a high line.
Having already secured the signing of Moroccan playmaker Hakim Ziyech, Werner would be another smart business for Roman Abramovich.
