Chelsea enquiry for Real Madrid star preceded swoop for Timo Werner

Chelsea made an enquiry about Real Madrid forward Luka Jovic before deciding to sign Timo Werner, according to a report.

Werner arrived at Stamford Bridge in June after Chelsea agreed to trigger his RB Leipzig release clause.

Indeed, Liverpool had targeted a move for the Germany international prior to his move to London but baulked at his price.

Werner showed exciting promise in his Premier League debut on Monday, using his pace to win a penalty against Brighton.

However, according to AS, the 24-year-old’s future could have panned out differently earlier this year.

The source claims Chelsea got in touch with Madrid about Jovic’s availability before pressing ahead with Werner.

Serbia international Jovic made the exciting move to the Spanish capital from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer. However, injuries and poor form pegged his progress back.

As such, Madrid were keen to send him out on loan, with chances remaining limited under Zinedine Zidane. Chelsea were one of the clubs keen, the report says, but the striker rejected that proposal.

However, the Blues were not the only club to ponder a move for the 22-year-old. Napoli and AC Milan were also keen, but the former side signed Victor Osimhen and Zlatan Ibrahimovic agreed an extension at Milan.

Although, Jovic reportedly rejected both Italian clubs’ proposals, leaving him with “fewer options” to choose from.

Nevertheless, Madrid’s stance on his future has not changed and the Spanish giants remain set on sending him out on loan.

WERNER EXPLAINS LIVERPOOL SNUB

Werner will play a key role this season in Frank Lampard’s new-look Chelsea side.

The Blues have made five first-team additions, soon to be six with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s arrival from Rennes.

Speaking to The Athletic, Werner has detailed the reasons why he turned down a move to Anfield.

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