RB Leipzig chief Oliver Mintzlaff has denied that an agreement for Timo Werner to join Chelsea has been struck but the deal is still expected to be completed in the coming days once paperwork is finalised.
While Mintzlaff's statement to Sky Germany may seem like the move is in doubt, Chelsea remain confident of confirming the deal for the 24-year-old before his £53million release clause expires on June 15.
Football.london understands that only final details are left before the contract is delivered, meaning that fans alerted by Mintzlaff's comments can take a deep breath.
No other club has shown a willingness to meet the release clause and Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard has held several discussions with Werner, who is keen on the move despite Liverpool initially being his first choice.
“We haven't had an exchange with Chelsea yet. So far, Timo Werner has not drawn the clause nor has a club sent a transfer contract," Mintzlaff told Sky Germany.
"We have nothing to report and do not take part in the daily speculation.”
With Werner arriving at Stamford Bridge comes a warning to the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Harry Kane, Sergio Aguero and Mohamed Salah ahead of next season’s race for the Golden Boot.
Werner had scored 25 goals in the Bundesliga for RB Leipzig this season before this afternoon's game against Paderborn and Sky Sports pundit Alan McInally expects him to carry on that hot form in the Premier League.
"I just think he’s in such a purple patch but the bottom line is, he’s just so good,” McInally said. "When I was asked whether £50million is going to be his price, it could be money really well spent. I don’t see it being a problem.
“I was watching Sky Sports News, and I think they were talking about some of the other Chelsea forwards.
“Didier Drogba probably got 20 goals [in a season]. I’m going to say Timo Werner will definitely score 20 goals in a season for Chelsea.”
On Werner’s likely role for Chelsea, McInally added: “I’d like to see him play on the left-hand side because I think he’s better there.
"He’s a good team player. He’s not selfish, if he needs to put a shift in down that left-hand side, he will, and of course then you’ve got the opportunity to play more counterattacking football.
"He can play up top. Tammy Abraham’s done so well I can’t see Frank (Lampard) not sticking with him, (Olivier) Giroud’s another one who struggled to get into the team.
"But I would probably play him (Werner) on the left-hand side, and just let him play where he wants.
"With that freedom, I think you get exactly what Timo Werner’s got."
