Calcio Mercato Web claim Chelsea are to offer Timo Werner in a straight-swap deal for Arsenal target Arthur Melo. The Gunners had re-opened talks to lure the Brazilian to The Emirates this summer, after failing to do so in January.
Werner, 26, has struggled since moving to Stamford Bridge in 2020. Amid all the hype, the Germany international has managed just 23 goals in 89 appearances. However, he has been creative, laying on a further 21 assists.
Chelsea are said to rate Werner in the region of £34million – and want Arthur to bolster their midfield. The idea of a swap deal could be on the table soon, with both sides said to be keen on doing a deal.
It comes amid reports that Arsenal had re-opened talks for Arthur – and that personal terms had been agreed. Whether Chelsea’s potential swap deal throws a spanner in Arsenal’s works, remains to be seen.
Chelsea to offer Werner swap for Arsenal target Arthur
Do Chelsea really need another midfielder? They have Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mason Mount, N’Golo Kante and more. Coming back from a loan include Conor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour.
They are well-stocked in the middle of the park. But there are doubts over the future of a number of those players and Juventus do want Werner. It could see the two parties come to an agreement for Arthur.
It will be a hammer blow for Arsenal, who need a midfielder much more than Chelsea. Arthur is clearly someone the Gunners admire having been linked for so long. It will be interesting to see where Arthur ends up.