Timo Werner's dream has been to play in the Premier League and he's set to get that chance next season.
Despite links to Liverpool as well as Manchester United, it's Chelsea who are close to a deal for RB Leipzig striker after holding extensive talks with the Bundesliga outfit.
football.london understands Frank Lampard's side are in pole position to close a deal.
The Blues are ready to activate the Germany striker's £53million release clause before it expires on June 15, and are in negotiations over personal terms, with a five-year deal expected to be offered.
So, Werner is just a couple of steps from realising his dream and his arrival in west London could take the Blues to the next level as his goalscoring record will be key to bridging the gap at the top of the Premier League table.
However, it would appear that a move to Stamford Bridge was always Werner's first-choice.
In fact, when speaking in the April 2018 issue of FourFourTwo, he confirmed his preference was either Man United or Liverpool as well as an unnamed third club.
"Yes, playing in the Premier League is a dream for me. I would like to play for two or three clubs, and Manchester United are one of those clubs.
"But probably not in the next few years – later, when my English is a little bit better! I’m very comfortable at RB Leipzig, though.
"Manchester United and Liverpool were the teams I watched quite a lot in England. They were the two that I’m a little bit a fan of, because they have so much history.
"When Alex Ferguson was the coach, United won everything and were outstanding.
"In Liverpool it’s also their stadium and the atmosphere," he added. "But when I have to decide, I’m more Manchester United than Liverpool.
"I'm now at a point where at some stage in the future I'd like to play in a team that wins titles."
Of course, Werner eventually had a change of heart as he was keen on joining the Reds - mainly because of Jurgen Klopp - but he's now set for a move to Chelsea which means Liverpool and Man United miss out on being the ones to deliver the striker's Premier League dream.
