RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann admits he faces a mammoth task to replace Timo Werner.
Werner has enjoyed another prolific campaign with the German club, scoring 31 goals in 41 appearances.
But he is set to leave for Chelsea this summer after the Blues met his £54million release clause.
The 24-year-old was previously linked with Liverpool, so Leipzig knew they were likely to lose the 24-year-old to a Premier League club at some stage.
Nonetheless, Nagelsmann believes it will be a huge challenge to replace his striker and claims it may take multiple transfers to fill the gap Werner leaves behind.
"It's not possible [to replace him], you can't clone a player. If Timo Werner leaves us, the main thing would be to replace 34 goals a season," Nagelsmann told Goal and DAZN .
"That would be the main task, which perhaps could not be solved by just one player. It is important that we get the same output at the end of the day, that is the complex thing about the topic."
Nagelsmann also discussed the uncertainty surrounding players whose deals expire at the end of this month despite the season continuing into the summer.
He added: "If the contracts remain as they are, a player whose contract ends on June 30th theoretically would play for a new team beginning July 1st. It's FIFA's turn [to solve the problem].
"I personally find the idea interesting that players go to their new clubs on July 1, and then the same rules should apply to the Champions League as to national team secondments.
"In other words, the new club would have to relinquish the player to the old club for the Champions League games.
"Then there could be confused scenarios, but it would be very strange for me if it should come to the situation that you suddenly play against your own player."
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