Timo Werner: Chelsea hold talks with RB Leipzig about forward returning to German club
Timo Werner joined Chelsea in 2020 for £47m Chelsea have held talks with RB Leipzig about forward Timo Werner returning to the Bundesliga club on loan. The German international, 26, left Leipzig to join Chelsea in 2020 but has struggled to make his mark, scoring 10 goals in 56 Premier League appearances. Chelsea have bolstered their attack with Raheem Sterling joining from Manchester City last month although Romelu Lukaku has left on loan. However, Werner's salary could be an obstacle in the way of any move. For a loan move to proceed, he may need to take a pay cut or have Chelsea cover at least part of his wages. During Chelsea's pre-season tour of the United States, Werner hinted he could be happy elsewhere. But manager Tuchel reacted to those comments, by saying: "I would be one of the happiest people on the planet having a contract with Chelsea." Newcastle are also interested in signing Werner, but his salary could prove too high for the Magpies to negotiate a deal. Eddie Howe's side are looking to recruit two more attacking players and have already made two bids to try and sign Leicester and England attacking midfielder James Maddison, with the latest at more than 40m.
Leipzig reportedly keen to re-sign Werner
RB Leipzig is reportedly leading the race to sign Chelsea striker Werner ahead of Juventus, claims Fabrizio Romano. The Bundesliga club met with Chelsea on Sunday, proposing a swap deal for Werner, who is Leipzig's main target. Juventus and Newcastle United have also shown an interest in the Germany international. ROUND-UP – Barcelona is considering a move for Leipzig defender Angelino should it miss out on Chelsea full-back Marcos Alonso, claims Diario Sport. – Everton could make a move for forgotten Chelsea forward Michy Batshuayi, according to talkSPORT. The Toffees lost Richarlison to Tottenham last month and will turn to Batshuayi, who scored 14 goals on loan at Besiktas last season. – Portuguese forward Diogo Jota is set to be rewarded for his strong second season at Anfield, with Liverpool to offer him a lucrative pay rise as part of a new deal, despite having three years to run on his contract, claims The Telegraph. – Napoli and Chelsea are in talks on a loan deal for Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to Sky Sports. – Football Insider reports that Leicester City has informed Newcastle that midfielder James Maddison will cost them £60million as they circle for his signature.
Todd Boehly Makes Timo Werner Decision As RB Leipzig Ready Chelsea Offer Amid Josko Gvardiol Interest
RB Leipzig are keen to re-sign Chelsea striker Timo Werner as the clubs have held talks regarding a swap deal for Josko Gvardiol, according to reports. The German, Werenr, arrived at Stamford Bridge on the back of an impressive season with the Bundesliga club but has been unable to find his form from his previous employers. The forward netted just four Premier League goals in 21 appearances last campaign as he struggled for game time. “It is clear I want to play more and I should play more to be in good shape for the World Cup — and also to have a chance to play,” he previously said. Chelsea forward Timo Werner during the game between Chelsea and Arsenal on July 23, 2022 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. (Alamy) "First of all, the most important thing is that I am happy. I am happy when I play and score goals. That’s the fact. That’s what I should take care of and the other things will come. "I could be happy everywhere. It is hard to say (why I've struggled for game time). "I didn’t ask but I think of course the manager always has different ideas, different thoughts and what you need in different games, I think in many games I was not in his thoughts so I try to change that. "It is clear I want to play more and I should play more to first be in good shape for the World Cup and also, to have a chance to play at the World Cup.” It has since been reported by Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio that RB Leipzig are keen to move for their former striker, ready to bid for a permanent transfer. This reduces the likelihood of Chelsea sending Werner on loan, with Newcastle United and Juventus looking to bring him in on an initial temporary basis. Furthermore, reports in Germany from Partrick Berger have stated that Chelsea are very interested in Gvardiol from RB Leipzig. Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has already had a phone call with the 20-year-old regarding a potential move to Stamford Bridge this summer, but the club have no intention of letting the defender leave this summer. Berger continues to reveal that while the German wants to leave Chelsea, there has been a meeting between his former and current employers. Josko Gvardiol is a defensive target for Chelsea.