Goal have reported that Chelsea will not be able to sign priority transfer targets Jadon Sancho and Timo Werner until the summer.
The Bundesliga duo have been on top of Chelsea’s wish list since the Blues had their transfer ban shortened last year.
Jadon Sancho, who has developed into one of the best young players on the planet, is on a long-term contract with Borussia Dortmund. The Germans are eager to hold on to him, and he’s unlikely to leave for less than £100 million.
This season, he already has 9 goals and 9 assists in the Bundesliga. The 19-year-old has become an indispensable player for Lucien Favre, as well as for Gareth Southgate and the England national team.
Chelsea have several wingers on their books already, but crucial players like Willian and Pedro are in their 30’s. Sancho would be a world-class replacement for the duo, with Pedro’s exit from the club looking inevitable in the near future.
Dortmund will find it hard to hold on to the former Manchester City star for much longer. Other clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are also monitoring the teenager.
Chelsea seems to be his most likely destination though, especially if Frank Lampard can guide the club to Champions League qualification. A summer move seems like the most realistic option at the moment, allowing Dortmund time to sort out a replacement.
Timo Werner is another player who has been shining in Germany lately. While the 23-year-old has been capturing the attention of European giants for a few years now, he has truly come into his own this season with a mind-blowing 18 goals and 6 assists for Leipzig.
He’s also established himself as Germany’s first choice striker. With Chelsea looking destined to lose Olivier Giroud, Lampard wants to sign Werner as a replacement.
But the player himself is determined to stay at Leipzig. His team is on top of the league right now, with a two point lead over Gladbach. Winning the German top flight title is Werner’s priority at the moment, as well as Euro 2020 with his country.
Beyond the current season though, it isn’t far-fetched to imagine a transfer materializing in the summer.