Barcelona are reportedly set to wage a transfer battle with Real Madrid in pursuit of in-form RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner.
According to a report in Daily Mail, Timo Werner is the subject of interest from Barcelona, who have been tracking him for a long time. The Blaugrana have joined bitter rivals Real Madrid in the race to sign the RB Leipzig striker.
Werner’s career has transformed since he joined Leipzig from boyhood club Vfb Stuttgart last summer. A promising winger during his Stuttgart days, the player has become one of the most prolific strikers in Europe since being deployed in the new role by Leipzig boss Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Transfers ? | Timo Werner is being monitored by Barcelona as they look for a future Suarez replacement. With Alcacer likely on his way out. pic.twitter.com/Szuwvtu4p2
— FCBdaily (@TheFCBdaily) September 28, 2017
Last season, Werner scored 21 goals in 31 Bundesliga games, with only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Robert Lewandowski and Anthony Modeste outperforming him in the race to be the top scorer in the German top flight.
The 21-year-old has also started his international career on a strong note, finding the back of the net 6 times in 8 games, while also finishing as the joint-top scorer in the Confederations Cup, with 3 goals. Such exploits have helped him attract some of the biggest clubs in the world, with Barcelona being the latest suitors.
The report suggests that Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez has been keeping a close eye on Werner’s progress, having monitored him for a long time. Fernandez has scouted the player heavily this season and is keen on launching the offensive for him.
Indeed, Barcelona have been left disappointed by the performances of Paco Alcacer, who has failed to make a mark since his move from Valencia last summer. With Luis Suarez struggling at the start of the season as well, the need to sign a striker seems to have accentuated, making Werner a viable target.
But, Barcelona are not alone in the race to sign Werner, with Real Madrid eyeing the youngster as well. Zinedine Zidane has asserted on numerous occasions the need to sign another striker, with the departure of Alvaro Morata to Chelsea leaving him with a shortage of quality options.
Timo Werner for club & country this season:
Games 10
Goals 9Hero for Leipzig in the #UCL too? ? pic.twitter.com/rMZSzCRQzj
— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 25, 2017
With Karim Benzema struggling for form at the start of the season, and Borja Mayoral not considered as a first-choice option yet, Werner is an ideal target for Los Blancos to consider. But, Real Madrid are reportedly weighing up a January move for the striker, meaning Barcelona could be kicked into action in the winter as well.
Werner, whose current contract with Leipzig runs till 2020, has previously insisted that he is happy at the Red Bull Arena, although he has also admitted his desire to play for a bigger club in the future. With the two Spanish giants interested, it remains to be seen if he considers a move in the coming windows.
