KEY POINTS

  • Werner is headed to Chelsea
  • Blues are willing to pay RB Leipzig transfer fee of $66 million
  • Werner made decision as early as March

RB Leipzig may have finally found a taker for Timo Werner, and it is not Liverpool F.C. After crashing the race for the German striker, Chelsea is nearing a deal to snag Werner. According to the latest reports, the Blues are on the brink of completing a $66.79 million deal. Werner stands to earn $11 million per season.

According to Sportsmail, Werner will accept the deal to move to Stamford Bridge, with Liverpool seemingly no longer interested. The move would be a wise one for the German striker who won't have to worry about playing time. It is something that he was unlikely to get in Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp loaded offensively. The Reds already have Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino leading their offensive.

Hence, it made no sense to add another striker unless Klopp would change his offensive patterns. But more importantly, the Reds were not financially flexible. Like most clubs, there were working on a limited budget. Adding another high-profile player made no sense, especially since they already have a loaded frontline.

On the other hand, Frank Lampard can put Werner to good use. The Blues need strikers, and the German is expected to be one of the offensive socks over at Stamford Bridge. The deal could be activated anytime from now up to June 15. Once that is done, Werner should give Tammy Abraham some competition. Reports are claiming that Werner had already made his decision last March when the Reds grew cold in their interest for the German.

With the impending entry of Werner, it remains to be seen if Lampard will continue the pursuit of his other targets. Moussa Dembele was another prospect, but his asking price was a bit steep. Olympique Lyonnais is asking a hefty $100 million for the French football player.

The same case is likely for another linked player to the Blues. Jesus Manuel "Tecatito" Corona was an option for Lampard in the event the Blues would fail to land any of their top targets. Discussions were already made, according to Corona's agent, Matias Bunge. However, they are aware that the 27-year-old was not at the top priority level of the Blues.

Timo Werner is four behind Bundesliga top scorer Robert Lewandowski
Timo Werner is four behind Bundesliga top scorer Robert Lewandowski POOL / Ina FASSBENDER