Werner to replace Abraham as first choice striker not to complement him.

News highlights:

• Le Tissier is of the opinion Chelsea new signing Werner will replace Abraham not complement him.

• Lampard has discussion with Abraham to embrace increased competition.

• Giroud thinks the signing of the German star has already increased motivation.

Chelsea officially announced a £53million deal for Leipzig Timo Werner earlier this week, with the forward signing a five-year contract worth around £200,000-per-week.

While Werner can play across the front line, the German will most likely compete with Abraham and Olivier Giroud for the main striking role next season.

Abraham has been Frank Lampard’s first-choice forward this season, with the 22-year-old scoring 13 Premier League goals in 25 games.

And though Werner can also operate off the left flank, Le Tissier believes it’s a central role he will be expecting.

Asked if Werner was coming in to complement or replace Abraham, Le Tissier told Sky Sports: “I would think probably to replace [him]. There will be a lot of squad rotation, Chelsea will play a lot of football matches per season.
“Tammy Abraham will still get his fair share of games. But I think, in terms of being first-choice, Timo Werner will be the one who comes in and will be the first choice.

“It’s a tough one because Abraham’s done pretty well this season. But if you’re going to spend £50million on a center-forward, I think he’d be pretty disappointed if he wasn’t the first choice.”

Lampard revealed he has urged Abraham to embrace the increased competition level having spoken about Werner’s incoming.

“I have spoken to Tammy before about the idea of competition,” he said. “I do not feel the need to have to address every player if a player comes in that might contest their position at a club like Chelsea, because that is what it is about.

Giroud has also spoken of the increased motivation within the squad upon the news of his arrival.