Newcastle United are leading the race for Chelsea striker Timo Werner in the transfer window, according to a report from the i newspaper. The Germany international is said to be free to leave the club this summer, having struggled to adjust to life in the Premier League since making the move.
The 26-year-old signed from RB Leipzig in 2020 for roughly £47million. Werner was subject to much interest that window, having scored 93 goals in 158 competitive appearances for the Bundesliga club.
Since joining Chelsea, the striker has only managed 23 goals in 89 competitive appearances. His current strike rate is at one goal roughly every 263 minutes, or one nearly every three matches, which is a dramatic drop from his Leipzig days.
READ MORE: Barcelona still keen on double Chelsea deal with Xavi 'involved' as agreement is 'close'
The links with an exit come as Thomas Tuchel looks to reshuffle his squad options over the summer window. The German coach has bemoaned his lack of new faces in pre-season. "It's the same players so why should anything change? We will see hopefully development but at the moment we have the same issues because we have the same players," he said.
Two players have already made their way through the doors, while a few exits have been confirmed. However, plenty more are expected to go in and out at Chelsea.
Werner could be one of those to leave, having hinted at a move away with comments about possibly being happier elsewhere. Responding to those claims, the manager said: "I'm surprised, I would be very happy as a young guy having a contract at Chelsea football club. I would be one of the happiest people on the planet.
"He needs to get his game time. He has to show quality, take your place and defend your place. I would be one of the happiest people on the planet having a contract with Chelsea. If he said this, I do not understand."
It remains to be seen whether Werner does make the exit while the window is open, but a switch to Newcastle could be on the cards if reports are to be believed.
Have you been following England's progress to the final of the Women's Euros? Been cheering on Millie Bright, Fran Kirby and the other Chelsea players taking part?
Then why not take the opportunity to purchase the official matchday programme for Sunday's final between England and Germany at Wembley?
Click here to find out how you can get hold of your copy!
READ NEXT:
Thomas Tuchel 'in love' with Chelsea transfer target amid £100m valuation
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from Stamford Bridge
Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea face fresh questions after summer of change
Wesley Fofana to Chelsea transfer: Personal terms agreed, move expected, asking price revealed
