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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Josh O'Brien

Chelsea news: Blues eye Frenkie de Jong hijack as Timo Werner exit all but confirmed

For a side that have signed one of the most lethal wide-forwards in the Premier League and a Serie A defensive stalwart, Chelsea are perceived to have had an underwhelming window.

Granted, some of the criticism from the Blues fanbase stems from the fact other transfers completed have been in areas many would argue did not need strengthening. Take the signing of ex-Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella - who cost the club £62m but not even be guaranteed to start with Ben Chilwell ahead of him in the pecking order.

Ultimately, the club's game-plan needs to be to remain inside the top four while also keeping within touching distance of the top two. While it is a tall order, especially amid a backdrop of huge change and upheaval at boardroom level, Thomas Tuchel knows anything less than achieving those targets could cost him his job.

Mirror Football has analysed some of the biggest Chelsea news and main talking points.

Werner exit all but confirmed

Timo Werner was pictured in Leipzig finalising his return to the club (Twitter/@BILD_rbleipzig)

HAVE YOUR SAY! Why did it fail to work out for Werner at Chelsea? Comment below

It would be close to impossible for anyone to make the case that Timo Werner was a good signing for Chelsea considering his underwhelming goal return and hefty price tag.

It is for that reason that the German international is expected to be sold in the coming days as Tuchel explores the idea of spending big on a new striker this summer.

As for Werner, he's on course to return to the club that Chelsea signed him from in Bundesliga outfit Red Bull Leipzig after being spotted in the city finalising the deal.

Leipzig pocketed £47.5million for his signature in the summer of 2020 with a huge reputation but it is one that has been left in tatters after a feeble 23 goals across all competitions since he signed for the west Londoners.

The forward is expected to undergo a medical on Tuesday morning before his four-year-deal with the club is publicly confirmed shortly after.

Discover more on Werner's move HERE.

Chelsea provide twist in race for De Jong

Frenkie De Jong would favour a move to Chelsea over Man Utd (Getty Images)

Such is Chelsea's desire to pip Manchester United to the post in their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong, the Blues are willing to pay him the £17m he is owed from the La Liga titans in deferred wages.

The debate surroudning that unpaid sum was one of many obstacles in United's way before they could even realistically think of securing the Dutchman's signature.

Chelsea are yet to lodge an official offer for the former Ajax star, but have an idea of how much it would take given Barcelona accepted United's offer of £63m plus add-ons just under a month ago.

It is thought that De Jong's preference is to stay in Barcelona, despite his own club threatening legal action to try and anul his current contract. However, if he was to leave the Camp Nou - Chelsea are rumoured to be above United in De Jong's pecking order.

It remains to be seen whether United would be willing to match Chelsea and also offer to pay De Jong's deferred wages.

Continue reading HERE.

Chelsea beaten in race for defender

Martin Skriniar was on Chelsea's radar before PSG intervened (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Tuchel's desire to add a defender to his ranks is well-documented given the club's recent offers for Leciester City centre-back Wesley Fofana - offers the Foxes swiftly turned down.

It has been a similar story for Chelsea in their efforts to land the signature of Inter Milan central defender Milan Skriniar. At one stage this summer, the Slovakian looked likely to join fellow Serie A star Kalidou Koulibaly at Stamford Bridge.

The move's demise stemmed from the fact Chelsea failed to actually lodge a formal offer - something Paris Saint-Germain wasted precious little time in doing.

As a result, Skriniar now looks likely to ply his trade in the French capital next term. Gazzetta dello Sport report that while PSG's initial £50m bid was rejected, they are willing to eventually meet the £70m asking price.

Find the full story HERE.

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