Premier League Rumors: RB Leipzig Says Timo Werner Deal Not Even Close

The big news recently is the reported move of Timo Werner of RB Leipzig to Chelsea. But it appears that until the release clause in the German's contract is activated, all insinuation of his impending departure from Red Bull Arena should be taken with a grain of salt.

In a report from AFP, Leipzig sporting director Oliver Mintzlaff said that the blockbuster transfer is far from being a done deal. He pointed out how the release clause has yet to be triggered and that they have not formally received any offer from any club. However, Mintzlaff did admit that the German indicated some weeks back that he was considering a move out of Die Roten Bullen.

"Timo Werner hasn't triggered the (release) clause (in his contract), and we haven't received a transfer contract from any club," Mintzlaff said.

As previously reported, Werner had reportedly agreed to move to Stamford Bridge for a record $66.79 million deal. Once sealed, the 24-year-old striker will be earning $11 million per season. The move came a bit of a surprise considering it was Liverpool touted to be the club hot on his tail. But it appears that hard times have cooled of interest from The Reds. Aside from that, they already had a loaded offensive frontline that made a Werner acquisition senseless.

The scenario is different for Werner with Chelsea. Frank Lampard is busy rebuilding the club and the Blues need offensive help. Though Tammy Abraham is around, it is believed that the entry of Werner was also meant to give the 22-year-old striker some friendly competition and entice him to take it to another level.

On the part of Leipzig, it appears Mintzlaff is ready for the inevitable once the deal is sealed. He does not expect any complication in getting the transaction done, despite the COVID-19 pandemic making changes to the football calendar. It seems that all he wants is for the German striker to finish the current season before moving to Stamford Bridge.

"We are sure that we will find a solution with his new club which allows us to end the Bundesliga season with Timo," he said.