TIMO WERNER’S £54million transfer from RB Leipzig to Chelsea is as good as completed.
And the German star appears set become the club’s highest earner with a deal that reportedly rises year-on-year to £170,000-a-week plus bonuses.
The striker will sign a five-year contract with wages that increase annually after Frank Lampard made it clear he is ready to meet the German’s release clause, according to the Athletic.
Liverpool were heavily linked with the 24-year old but it is understood the Reds are reluctant to meet Werner’s release clause as the coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc with clubs’ finances.
The highly-rated forward, 24, has scored 31 goals in all competitions this season, taking his total Leipzig tally to 92 in just four seasons and the Blues will be paying a handsome premium in the hope he hits the net for them.
Chelsea have not stepped on a football pitch since March 8 and football’s lockdown has starved even the biggest teams of vital income.
But the West Londoners seemed to have shirked that worry by splashing the cash on the German international.
With a wage bill topping £825m it the latest accounts, SunSport revealed last month a unanimous vote across the dressing room gave the green light to a temporary pay cut.
But those salaries will go back to normal when the Premier League returns on June 17.
Kepa Arrizabalaga and N’Golo Kante will become the club’s joint second highest earners after Werner arrives with wages of £150k-a-week.
Christian Pulisic is close behind on £145k-a-week while Willian and Callum Hudson-Odoi complete the top five at £120k.
