Barcelona have reportedly identified Chelsea striker Timo Werner as one of their transfer targets to bolster their attack in the January transfer window.
According to a report from Marca, Barcelona’s quest to strengthen their attacking unit in the January transfer window has led them to Premier League giants Chelsea, with Timo Werner emerging as a target.
Werner arrived at Chelsea in the summer transfer window of last year from German outfit RB Leipzig but endured a frustrating first season in England. Even though he made vital contributions to the Blues’ UEFA Champions League triumph, the forward was guilty of missing several gilt-edged chances throughout the season.
Chelsea went out and spent a club-record transfer fee to sign Romelu Lukaku this past summer. And the Belgian was installed as the first-choice No. 9 ahead of Werner, eating into the German international’s game-time. He has featured ten times in all competitions, starting just four times in the league, producing a tally of two goals and an assist.
Despite the 25-year-old’s issues at Stamford Bridge, his reputation remains intact as several clubs across Europe have shown an interest in him. Now, Barcelona have also entered the fray for the signing of the Chelsea striker.
Barca are in a pickle with their options in the No. 9 role due to injuries. Martin Braithwaite is recovering from a serious injury, while Sergio Aguero has also been sidelined due to a heart condition for the foreseeable future. New manager Xavi Hernandez does not favour Luuk de Jong, while Ansu Fati is struggling with fitness problems.
Because of this, it becomes imperative for Barcelona to bring in a new centre-forward come January. The Catalans have recently been linked with a move for Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette, while there are links to Manchester United’s veteran striker Edinson Cavani and Raheem Sterling of Manchester City.
Werner, too, has emerged as an option for the Blaugrana. The report adds that given the Catalans’ delicate financial situation, they would only be looking at loan deals or permanent transfers where the transfer fee involved will be minimal. So, it remains to be seen if Barcelona are willing to make a formal approach to Chelsea over the possibility of a deal in January.
