The word is out that this summer, Timo Werner will travel to England to join Chelsea and all parties have agreed in principle that the transfer is a done deal. However, for the process to actually begin, Chelsea must trigger the release clause on Werner's contract with RB Leipzig, which according to the Bundesliga side has yet to happen.
Leipzig chief Oliver Mintzlaff confirmed last weekend that matters of Werner's supposed transfer to Stamford Bridge have yet to be discussed with the English club. The buyer, according to the club executive, has yet to make contacts with the German side.
However, the delay in the completion of the deal does not necessarily mean that the switch will not push through. The holdback is out of Chelsea's hand and supporters of the club can blame the COVID-19 outbreak, according to Metro.
It appeared that while Blues boss Frank Lampard is eager to get the signing done the soonest and announce the deal officially, he cannot do so until the German striker undergoes a medical check. But the problem is Werner cannot travel to London due to restrictions imposed by Bundesliga, and again because of the coronavirus pandemic.
On the other hand, a medical team from Chelsea is unable to do the same given the quarantine protocols upon the group's return. So the club has decided to just wait for the German football season to be completed, which is set on June 27.
Per the same report, Lampard can sign the deal on Werner with the use of German documents but the Chelsea board has elected to simply wait out until the 24-year-old is ready to board the plane. And that's only two weeks to go.
By that time, Werner will be subjected to a full medical check and Chelsea seemed confident that making the transfer deal public should come shortly. The recruit is set to be acquired on a £54 million transfer fee.
Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated said there is no rush for the Blues to activate the release clause of Werner, which was originally reported to expire on June 15. Picking up media reports in Germany, SI said the provision will remain active until July 15.
It's not clear, however, if the piece of news is good or bad for the London club. While it means more time for Lampard, the absence of a formal agreement with the Leipzig ace will also give an opening for rival clubs to still make a bid.
It's no secret that Werner has caught the attention of elite clubs in Europe so this fresh information could prod Chelsea to complete the German's transfer ahead of the targeted schedule.
