Juventus pursue Werner in De Ligt swap deal with Chelsea

Cameron Smith

1 Jul 2022 08:59 BST
3 min read

Timo Werner, Chelsea, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Juventus are now reportedly openly pursuing for Timo Werner to be included in any deal for Matthijs de Ligt.

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Werner, 26, joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig two years ago, but the West London club haven't been satisfied with his performances since he arrived.

As a result, Romelu Lukaku was signed last summer, but the Belgian also proved to be a poor fit for the club and has been loaned out to Inter Milan for the 2022/23 campaign.

Raphinha, Raheem Sterling and Ousmane Dembele have all been targeted as Thomas Tuchel looks to re-energise his forward line, and it's understood that Hakim Ziyech and Werner are the two players set to be sold in order to facilitate those moves.

In an attempt to shift Werner and sign top defensive target De Ligt, Chelsea suggested the idea of including the German forward in a move for the Dutch international to Juventus, and the Bianconeri are now keen for a deal to be struck.

Werner to Juventus

While it had previously been Chelsea striving for Werner to be included in order to reduce the price of their number one target De Ligt, it now appears as though Juventus are equally interested in the former Leizpig forward joining.

According to the Daily Mail, Juventus are now focusing on including Werner in any deal with Chelsea for De Ligt.

© ProShots - Matthijs de Ligt is Chelsea's number one centre-back target

Chelsea's previous offer of €40m plus Werner was knocked back by Juventus, but it's understood they will return with another bid later this transfer window. De ligt has a €118m (£102m) release clause included in his Juve contract, but Chelsea are hopeful that any deal will not reach that price.

The Daily Mail have also reported that Chelsea would be willing to use Christian Pulisic as a makeweight in the deal if Juventus turn down the offer for Werner/ However, it now appears as though the Old Lady want to add the Germany international to their ranks.

Both Chelsea and Juventus are yet to sign anyone this window, but this transfer saga could end that drought for both, with De Ligt moving to Stamford Bridge and Werner turning up in Turin.

Chelsea want De Ligt to replace the departed Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, while Juventus are keen to fill the hole vacated by Paulo Dybala.