Chelsea Ready to Swoop if Liverpool Falter in Pursuit of Timo Werner

Exclusive - Chelsea have not yet given up hope of signing RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner, although the Blues are well aware that it is Liverpool who are leading the race for the German's signature.


Werner was one of several players on Chelsea's radar back in the January transfer window, but Liverpool have stepped ahead after months of public flirting between Werner and manager Jürgen Klopp.


Liverpool FC v Atletico Madrid - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg

Liverpool have been lining up a deal for Werner but are yet to pull the trigger, and a source has confirmed to 90min that Chelsea are keeping a close eye on the situation in case an opportunity to strike a deal arrises.


A recent report suggested that Liverpool have asked Werner's representatives for more time to decide whether or not they want to make an official bid for the forward amid concerns over what the economic climate will look like on the other side of the coronavirus outbreak.


His £52m release clause, which is still active despite reports suggesting a deadline had passed, makes Werner one of the most in-demand forwards around right now. He bagged 21 goals in just 25 appearances before football was postponed and has helped Leipzig remain in the hunt for the title.


Werner remains Klopp's first-choice target, and the 24-year-old has made it clear to his representatives that a move to Anfield is what he wants this summer, but Chelsea are refusing to go away just yet.


Blues boss Frank Lampard is a big fan of Werner and is confident that striking a deal to sign him would bolster his squad, but the acceptance that Liverpool are leading the race has forced the Blues to monitor other options as well.


Chelsea FC v Everton FC - Premier League

Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Lyon's Moussa Dembélé are both under consideration as well, with Chelsea eager to ensure they find someone to aid their struggling forward line.


Werner will remain on the radar until a deal for the German becomes impossible, and while Liverpool are hesitating over making a bid, Chelsea will have a glimmer of hope of landing the Leipzig man this summer.



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Source : 90min