Transfer News: Timo Werner ready to leave Chelsea if new striker is brought in
According to 90min (h/t Daily Mail), misfiring Chelsea striker Timo Werner may call time on his stay at Stamford Bridge this summer.
The German international was among a number of high-profile names who moved to the Bridge last summer. One of the finest strikers in the Bundesliga, Werner has looked a shadow of the player at Chelsea.
The 25-year-old made 52 appearances for the Blues last season, scoring 12 goals and making 15 assists. While his numbers are nothing to frown at, it pales in comparison to the ones he put up at RB Leipzig. In fact, Werner also missed a number of gilt-edged opportunities that could have vastly enhanced his strike rate.
Werner is unhappy at the club and could seek a move away if a new striker is brought in. Chelsea are heavily linked with a move for Erling Haaland and it remains to be seen if they will land the Norwegian this summer. (h/t Daily Mail)
With Olivier Giroud having joined AC Milan and Tammy Abraham potentially on his way out, it is imperative that the Blues bring in reinforcements before the season begins next month. Whether they will decide to go big on Haaland or instead opt to bring in cover for Werner remains to be seen.
A decision to part ways could be mutual. According to Daily Mail, Chelsea are looking for suitors for Werner this summer and could use him as part of a deal to sign Haaland. Although he still has four years left on his contract with the club, Chelsea are now looking to offload him just a year at the Bridge.
Whether this is a ploy by the club to bring down Haaland’s asking price or whether they have truly given up on Werner remains to be seen.
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The fact that Werner is seeking a move in case competition is brought in does not paint a pretty picture. The 25-year-old has often cut a frustrating figure in Blue and appears to let the emotions get the better of him at times. While there is undoubted talent coursing through his veins, the onus is on him to perform when given the opportunity.
Whether he will rekindle his old form or prove to be another striker fatality at the Bridge remains to be seen.