Frank Lampard has claimed that Manchester City and Liverpool were interested in signing Timo Werner before Chelsea struck up a deal.
Chelsea swooped for the striker after seeing him score 28 goals in the Bundesliga last season for RB Leipzig and the West London club have been an exception to the rule in the transfer window by spending heavily while most clubs have not; a reported £25m deal in place for Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy will take their spree beyond the £250m mark if completed.
City have been focused on strengthening their defence this summer, with a £40m deal for Nathan Ake done and another centre-back being chased. However, German media suggested that Pep Guardiola tried to convince Werner to join the Blues and Lampard name-checked the Premier League top two as he spoke about the battle to sign the player.
"You understand that when there is competition from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City that you need to state your best case to the player," the Chelsea manager said.
"Having been that player at one point, I tried to sell the club to the best of my ability when I spoke to players. Petr [Cech, Chelsea's technical director] in his role does the same.
"With a player like Timo, we were very keen to bring him in. He needs to feel that from us. I loved everything that he said to me in those conversations, the same with all the players."
