Premier League: Frank Lampard addresses continuing season
Chelsea have triggered RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner's £53million release clause but that was not fully supported behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.
Head coach Frank Lampard and technical advisor Petr Cech were pushing the Chelsea hierarchy to pursue a deal for Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Gabon international is in the final 12 months of his contract in north London and could be available on the cheap.
Chelsea had an enquiry about Aubameyang rejected in January but the Gunners are more open to selling their captain at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old was top of Lampard's shortlist, according to The Athletic’s Ornstein & Chapman podcast.
However, the Blues board had concerns over the lack of re-sale value and therefore turned their attention to Werner.
Chelsea's Frank Lampard did not have Timo Werner as his top target (Image: GETTY)
The Leipzig attacker was also on Lampard's wishlist but it is claimed he would have preferred a goalscorer with proven Premier League pedigree like Aubameyang.
The Athletic say the Chelsea board went ahead with their own ideas and offered Werner a £200,000-a-week contract.
Lampard is still keen to add Werner to his ranks and has promised the 24-year-old he will be a key part of his plans.
Meanwhile, former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack thinks Werner will be a perfect fit in Chelsea's 4-3-3 system.
“I think it's a good decision for both sides. For Timo, because he fits there, because the way [Chelsea] play football suits him,” the ex-Germany midfielder explained to Sky.
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