Chelsea target Timo Werner ‘won’t play RB Leipzig’s Champions League matches in August as he wants to be in London’

CHELSEA target Timo Werner has reportedly refused to continue RB Leipzig’s Champions League journey in August. The Germany international is set to complete his £54million move to the Blues later this month. The 23-year-old’s arrival has been halted over difficulties undergoing a medical due to coronavirus restrictions in England and Germany. But according to German […]

CHELSEA target Timo Werner has reportedly refused to continue RB Leipzig’s Champions League journey in August.

The Germany international is set to complete his £54million move to the Blues later this month.

AFP

The 23-year-old’s arrival has been halted over difficulties undergoing a medical due to coronavirus restrictions in England and Germany.

But according to German outlet Bild, Werner wants to be in London by July meaning he will forfeit the chance to pursue Champions League glory with Leipzig.

The Bundesliga side have already progressed to the quarter-finals after sweeping aside Spurs 4-0 on aggregate back in February.

But Werner’s prospective new side Chelsea face an uphill task after losing 3-0 to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their tie at Stamford Bridge.

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And the German would be unable to feature in the second leg for the Blues against the Bundesliga champions should he make a July switch to the Prem.

The Champions League is set to be concluded with a mini-tournament in Portugal in August.

Portugal’s capital Lisbon – which hosted the 2014 final between city rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid – is the likely host after being backed by the Portuguese FA.

The city has both the Estadio Da Luz – home of Benfica – and the Estadio Jose Alvalade, where rivals Sporting Lisbon play.

Meanwhile, Werner could be joined at Stamford Bridge by compatriot Kai Havertz, but negotiations for the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder have reportedly stalled over the price.

Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno welcomed the news of his international team-mate’s arrival to London but warned Gunners fans his “killer instinct” could make the Blues title contenders.

Werner has bagged 25 goals in 31 Bundesliga appearances this season but gave Chelsea fans a fright when he missed a sitter in his first game after the move was seemingly confirmed.