Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack is confident that RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner will soon seal a highly-anticipated move to Stamford Bridge.
That is according to Christian Falk, the Head of Football for German publication Sport Bild.
It was revealed on Thursday that Chelsea, who stepped up their preparations for the Premier League's return in less than a fortnight's time with an in-house friendly on Saturday on Stamford Bridge, had stepped up their efforts to land Werner, as they look to try and win the race for his signature.
Football.london understands that there is a "high possibility" that Chelsea will activate the German's £53million release clause before it expires on June 15 - a-week-on-Monday.
Though there are still some final details to be ironed out in Chelsea's attempts to land the striker, who has scored 31 goals in all competitions for Leipzig this season, it will be some statement of intent from the Blues' hierarchy if they manage to get the deal over the line and bring him to Stamford Bridge.
Werner has been a man in demand over the past few months, with both Liverpool and Manchester United, alongside Chelsea, heavily linked with landing his signature.
But neither Liverpool or United have made any concrete moves to try and lure the striker, who would have held ambitions to spearhead Germany's forward line at this summer's European Championships had they not been called off due to the coronavirus pandemic, to Anfield or Old Trafford, respectively.
Instead, should everything go to plan, Werner will be making the switch to Stamford Bridge, as Blues head coach Frank Lampard aims to add a fresh dose of firepower to his attacking ranks.
And Ballack, who has admitted that Manchester City were also keen on landing the 24-year-old's signature, has confirmed that he has heard that Chelsea are close to sealing the deal.
On Twitter, Falk of Sport Bild tweeted: "Talking to Michael @Ballack today: He has also heard about the interest of @ManCity in @TimoWerner. And he is also sure @TimoWerner will sign for @Chelsea."
As well as Falk confirming that Ballack is confident that Chelsea will win the race to sign Werner, the former Germany international, who spent four years of his playing career at Stamford Bridge, heaped praise on Werner's qualities, insisting that him joining Chelsea would be a correct move for both player and club.
Speaking to Sky in Germany, as quoted by Goal, Ballack explained: "I think it's a good decision for both sides. For Timo, because he fits there, because the way [Chelsea] play football suits him.
"I think that in Chelsea he has decided on a club where he has a better chance of playing, which is very important to him.
"The team will be renewed, it will certainly be strengthened and a lot of money will be spent in Chelsea to knock again at the top. A good young team is being built there, which is very promising."
