Chelsea are reportedly prepared to engage with Barcelona over a January transfer of German forward Timo Werner.
According to Spanish journalist Pol Alonso, Timo Werner is Barcelona’s preferred target to bolster their attack further instead of Edinson Cavani. And the Catalan giants have been handed a major boost in pursuit of the German forward, with Chelsea ready to deal with them over a move in the January transfer window.
Timo Werner joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in July 2020 and has since endured a topsy-turvy ride at Stamford Bridge. While the 25-year-old has been the Blues’ most prolific player in the last 18 months, he has also been frustrating in equal measure due to his wastefulness in the final third.
To date, the German forward has made 66 appearances for Chelsea, racking up 17 goals and 17 assists in the process. However, despite his inconsistencies, Werner remains a highly sought-after figure in the transfer market, with several clubs across Europe, including Barcelona, setting their sights on him.
The interest from Barcelona is understandable, considering Sergio Aguero is no longer on the club’s books. The Argentine legend has been forced to hang up his boots as a heart ailment prohibits him from taking to the field again.
Aguero’s retirement has left Xavi Hernandez with Martin Braithwaite and Luuk de Jong as the only recognised strikers at his disposal. However, neither striker inspires much confidence as a regular option, which is why Barcelona must sign a striker in the January transfer window.
While the Catalan giants are set to sign Ferran Torres this winter, signing Werner will keep them in good stead. That is because Memphis Depay’s form has tailed off after a strong start to the season, while Ansu Fati’s injury woes are showing no signs of going away just yet. And now, Werner could be closer to joining Barcelona from Chelsea in January.
The Blues are ready to discuss an initial loan deal, including a purchase option. Such a development comes as a direct contrast to recent reports, which had suggested that Chelsea had rejected Barcelona’s approach for Werner. However, it now looks like the German forward could join Barcelona in the January transfer window on a loan deal, and it remains to be seen if a move sees the light of the day.