Chelsea could replace Timo Werner with new striker after Sky swap deal reveal – pundit
Noel Whelan has backed Chelsea to “sacrifice” Timo Werner and bring in a new striker this summer.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested using the 26-year-old as part of a “swap deal” could be beneficial for all parties after a “difficult” Stamford Bridge spell.
Football Insider revealed last week (23 June) that Liverpool are plotting a shock move for Werner – having previously targetted the German in 2019.
According to Sky Sports (24 June), the Blues are willing to offer the striker plus £38million in return for elite Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.
Romelu Lukaku is also inching closer to a move to Italy – having reportedly all but agreed a return to Inter Milan.
When asked if Chelsea potentially moving Werner on means a new striker will be incoming, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s got to.
“We know that Tuchel has never really been a fan of Werner. He’s been in the squads and used a fair amount, but I’m not sure he’s hit the heights expected.
“We all expected a lot more from him. I think he’s found the Premier League quite difficult.
“Look, if you’re not going to use a big player and you feel you can get someone better that is more suited to Tuchel – they have to sacrifice.
“They may as well do it now. It’s the right time to move him on if he’s not in the plans of the manager.
“If they can use him as part of a swap deal then it could work out for both Chelsea and Werner.”
Werner notched just four goals in 21 Premier League outings during the 2021/22 season.
The former RB Leipzig man is under contract at Stamford Bridge until June 2025.
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