According to reports, Chelsea and RB Leipzig are in discussions about a prospective trade transfer involving Timo Werner and defender Josko Gvardiol.
Joko Gvardiol has also been the subject of new transfer speculations as a result of Chelsea’s discussions with Leipzig, but just like before, there are now very few to no chances of a deal materialising for the highly regarded center-back, who is 20 years old.
While still in dire need of a new center-back, the Blues are reportedly thrilled with the idea of their striker leaving.
Initial talks between the two clubs took place over the weekend, with Leipzig “pressing more” for Werner than other teams.
The renegade German fled the Red Bull Arena in 2020, but since moving to London, he has had difficulty.
According to recent speculations, he may soon make his long-awaited return to Leipzig, and Chelsea may also gain a much-needed defender in the process.
After meeting with Chelsea, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Leipzig is now pushing more than Juventus for Timo Werner still waiting to see whether there’s an opportunity for a swap deal.”
Timo Werner’s future at Chelsea appears to be in ever-greater doubt, and his inconsistent preseason participation (mostly due to injury) hasn’t helped the impression that his time at Stamford Bridge may be coming to an end after only two years.
Timo Werner’s future at Chelsea appears to be in ever-greater doubt, and his inconsistent preseason participation (mostly due to injury) hasn’t helped the impression that his time at Stamford Bridge may be coming to an end after only two years.
Werner has also drawn interest from Juventus and Newcastle United, though only on a temporary loan with no chance of a permanent move.
Eddie Howe’s team is looking to sign two more attacking players, and has already made two attempts to sign James Maddison, an attacking midfielder for Leicester and England.
If Leipzig can pay back a sizable portion of the €50 million Chelsea lent them two years ago.
The 26-year-old German international struggled to establish himself after leaving Leipzig for Chelsea in 2020, netting just 10 goals in 56 Premier League appearances.
Although Romelu Lukaku has departed on loan, Chelsea has strengthened their attack with Raheem Sterling’s arrival from Manchester City last month.
Werner’s pay, though, might be a barrier to any move.
He might have to accept a pay reduction or have Chelsea pay for a portion of his income for the loan to go through.
Werner suggested that he would be comfortable somewhere else during Chelsea’s preseason tour of the United States.
Nevertheless, manager Tuchel responded, “I would be one of the happiest persons on the planet having a deal with Chelsea.”
