Leipzig's German forward Timo Werner plays the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match RB Leipzig v Hertha Berlin on May 27, 2020 in Leipzig, eastern Germany. (ALEXANDER HASSENSTEIN / POOL / AFP)
BERLIN - German international Timo Werner is said to have made a surprising decision regarding his next port of call.
As reported by the sports magazine "kicker," the pay-TV station sky and the tabloid Bild, the 24-year-old has agreed to a five-year contract with Premier League side Chelsea until 2025.
The deal will apparently be announced next week after the last details have been sorted out.
ALSO READ: Werner plays mind games ahead of possible Liverpool move
The Stuttgart-born striker can use an exit clause in his contract with the Bundesliga's RB Leipzig that runs until 2023 allowing him for less than 60-million-euro fee.
The Stuttgart-born striker can use an exit clause in his contract with the Bundesliga's RB Leipzig that runs until 2023 allowing him for less than 60-million-euro fee
Reports talk of a 10-million-euro salary for the German attacker.
The Blues currently might be far from a leading team in European club football and the national league.
Before, several top sides showed interest in Werner. Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp seemed the most promising applicant as he some weeks ago had a video chat with the forward.
Reports speak of the Premier League leaders suffering from the financial consequences of the COVID-19 crisis - to the tune of losses of up to 110 million euros.
Klopp tried to reduce Werner's transfer fee but couldn't succeed. As the exit clause has to be used by June 15, time threatened to run out.
Bayern Munich has decided to target Manchester City Leroy Sane after Werner rejected an offer from the reigning German champion. Bayern's designated chairman Oliver Kahn announced his side has to spend cautiously due to corona-crisis.
The striker announced that he is ready for his next career step, and between the lines expressed his disappointment about Bayern. The Bavarians let him down twice and missed the opportunity to sign the youngster for 25 million last summer.
Werner extended his contract in Leipzig, including an annually rising exit clause.
The German forward mentioned the sporting as one of his vital demands next to getting his next coach's full confidence. "Of course, mutual appreciation is a key point for me," Werner commented.
2012 Champions League winner Lampard is said to have promised Werner to be his number one striker. The sweet-talking seems enough for a safe landing.
Leipzig's German forward Timo Werner (L) scores the 1-3 past Cologne's German goalkeeper Timo Horn during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Cologne vs RB Leipzig, in Cologne on June 1, 2020. (INA FASSBENDER / AFP / POOL)
Rumors are now growing that the 33-year-old French striker Olivier Giroud might leave Chelsea as his contract will run out 2021.
After the transfer ban on Chelsea implemented by UEFA expired, the London club seems ready to strike back.
Blues coach Frank Lampard is known to be extremely fond of his new arrival. Reports say Chelsea will adjust his tactics to Werner. The Blues icon promised to design a competitive team and target the national championship.
READ MORE: Liverpool target Werner passes important exam
German national teammate Antonio Ruediger is said to have influenced Werner's decision by frequently talking to his fellow countryman praising Chelsea's advantages.
The 2017 Federations Cup winner is one of the country's fastest spearheads. He has scored 92 goals in 154 games for his East German club plus providing 39 assists. Capped 29 times, he has scored 25 goals in 29 games in the 2019/2020 Bundesliga season.
In addition to Werner, Ajax forward, Hakim Ziyech is joining the Blues from the Netherlands for a reported 40 million euros.
