Frank Lampard was overruled as Chelsea target Timo Werner

According to the Athletic’s Ornstein & Chapman podcast (h/t Express), Frank Lampard was keen on signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang over Timo Werner.

The German star looked set to join Liverpool before it was announced over the weekend that Chelsea had got him instead. However, had Lampard and Petr Cech had their way, things could have been different.

The duo was pushing the Chelsea hierarchy to pursue a deal for Arsenal star Aubameyang. The Gabon international’s contract is up next summer and could be available on the cheap this window.

The 31-year-old is one of the best forwards in the country and won the Golden Boot last season. He was on top of Lampard’s wishlist, with the club even making an approach last January.

It was rejected then but the Gunners are more open to selling their captain at the end of the season. The Chelsea board were worried about the lack of resale value and therefore turned their attention to Werner.

The 24-year-old is one of Europe’s best strikers. He will soon join the club after being offered a massive £200,000-a-week contract.

There is no doubt that our capture of the German striker is a coup. However, it can be argued that he is an unproven entity in the Premier League, unlike Aubameyang.

Lampard to his credit is to add Werner to his squad. He has also promised the 24-year-old that he will be a key part of his plans.

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Lampard may have missed out on Aubameyang. But he has scored a massive win by securing one of the most sought-after young strikers in the game.

With Hakim Ziyech also set to join, Chelsea’s attack will be massively boosted next season.