The signing of Timo Werner was seen as quite the coup by Chelsea back in 2020, considering the German international had been linked heavily with Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool. It’s probably fair to say the Reds will feel they dodged a bullet considering a departure from west London seems possible just two years later.
Despite the exit of Werner being reportedly just temporary for now, one of the more surprising links to this move is Defensa Central’s claim that London rivals Arsenal are a potential suitor in the race. Named alongside Juventus and Real Madrid, the Gunners do need forward-line reinforcement.
Werner has just ten goals and 13 assists in 56 Premier League games. A significant drop from the 89 goals and 49 assists from 221 Bundesliga appearances.
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The idea of Arsenal picking up Werner isn’t wild in terms of a pathway between the clubs. Many players have made the switch in the not-so-distant past from west to north London.
However, the theme of Willian, David Luiz and Petr Cech was that these players were heading toward the twilight of their careers, if not already in it. None were seen as big successes, although Luiz did win an FA Cup against his former side in 2020.
Werner, at 26, has plenty more still to give, and a new environment is definitely a step in the right direction for him, especially with Raheem Sterling now arriving. For Arsenal, though, despite the potential upsides of a loan move, it could be a transfer trap.
Consider that Werner could have a great season with Arsenal. He scores goals, finds his form and helps Arsenal finish in the Champions League qualification places.
You’d think this is the dream result. However, the big downside is that the completion of this loan move sees him then return to Arsenal’s potential biggest rival in closing the gap to both Manchester City and Liverpool.
Arsenal do not see UCL qualification as the end goal of this project. Edu and Arteta have spoken frequently about getting the club back to the top.
Chelsea have been the closest side for some time to the established top two. A player like Werner moving back to the biggest rivals for their main goal would be a massive blow for the club.
Arsenal are better off putting more minutes in Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Werner may be a profile that fits the type of wide forward the club are looking for in the latter stages of the transfer window, but the downsides outweigh the potential positives.
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