Alan Shearer has backed Timo Werner to continue scoring goals when he joins Chelsea and predicted more arrivals at Stamford Bridge over the coming weeks.
The coronavirus pandemic has caused financial devastation to most Premier League sides but Blues chiefs are wasting no time in preparing for next season, with the club expected to sign RB Leipzig striker Werner for £53m.
The Germany international, who has 31 goals in 40 appearances this season, attracted the attention of a number of top clubs in Europe before Chelsea came calling – and Shearer says it’s imperative Frank Lampard’s side seal qualification for the Champions League following their shrewd business.
He told The Sun: “I am certain there will be more to come, with Ben Chilwell also on Chelsea’s radar.
“But these players will all be expecting to play in the Champions League next season, so it’s imperative they get the job done.
“With a three-point cushion in fourth it would be a real anti-climax if they didn’t, considering the talent on the way in.”
Chelsea have already tied up a £37m deal for Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech ahead of next season and Shearer believes more fresh faces will arrive in west London – even after Werner’s move is confirmed.
“The way they are going, I doubt very much that Werner will be their last signing,” he continued. “Given the situation football finds itself in, there are going to be clubs that are going to have to cut their cloth accordingly, cashing in on their assets.
“On the other side, though, certain clubs are not going to be stopped from spending. Chelsea are the first to strike and it will be fascinating to see how others respond.
“All of a sudden they look in great shape, which is why it couldn’t be more important to seal that top-four place. If they do, Chelsea’s future looks very bright indeed.”
Whether they have it in them to chase down Liverpool and Manchester City next season remains to be seen – but they certainly have the players now to close the gap.”
Tony Cascarino on Timo Werner choosing Chelsea over Liverpool
Shearer, who is the Premier League’s record goal-scorer with 260 strikes, has been impressed with Werner whenever he has seen him action.
“At 24, he’s the perfect age, his international career is taking off, and he will without a doubt add something special,” the former Newcastle forward added.
“His record at RB Leipzig is brilliant and he looked like he’d never been away after coming back and scoring a hat-trick against Mainz to take him past 30 goals this season.
“But he’s no one-season wonder, having scored more than 20 goals in all competitions in three of the last four campaigns.
“With pace to burn alongside an eye for goal, Werner is comfortable anywhere across the front three, with his trademark coming in off the left to strike.”
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