Chelsea news: Pundit cites Theo Walcott as £48m star tipped for Stamford Bridge exit
Noel Whelan has insisted Chelsea will move “wasteful” striker Timo Werner on if summer interest materialises.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, drew comparisons between the 25-year-old and former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott.
Werner has been restricted to just six Premier League starts this term and is behind Kai Havertz and summer arrival Romelu Lukaku in the Chelsea pecking order.
According to Goal (3 March), the Germany international is becoming “increasingly frustrated” with his limited opportunities and is “considering his options” ahead of the summer transfer window.
The report claims Borussia Dortmund could be a potential destination for the Blues striker.
Whelan claimed he “can’t remember a standout performance” which justifies Werner’s reported £48million price tag.
“It’s a really difficult one,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He came with plenty of promise and lots of hype, he obviously did very well abroad, and Chelsea didn’t waste any time bringing him in.
“But he just reminds me of a Theo Walcott. Plenty of pace and can be dangerous on his day, but no end product when it counts – very wasteful.
“Right now, with the money they’ve paid and the players in front of him in the pecking order – he’s not setting it alight at Stamford Bridge.
“I can’t remember a single standout performance from him to justify that big price tag. I think even Callum Hudson-Odoi is showing more promise.
“I think if there’s an option to move him on and regain some of that capital, they’ll be desperate to do it. The talent’s there, but how long can you wait for a player to ignite?”
Werner netted once and assisted two in the FA Cup on Wednesday (2 March) as Chelsea came back to win 3-2 away at Luton Town.
The former RB Leipzig man has scored 19 goals in 76 Blues appearances.
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