EPL: Thomas Tuchel speaks on Timo Werner leaving Stamford Bridge, warns Chelsea

Chelsea boss, Thomas Tuchel has waved aside reports linking his striker, Timo Werner with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.

The 26-year-old Germany international has said he wants to leave Stamford Bridge to stand a chance of playing in the World Cup later this year.

The German star has struggled to make an impact since his £47.5 million move from RB Leipzig in 2020. He has only been able to score 23 goals in 89 appearances for Chelsea.

Sky Germany reported on Friday that tension between the player and his manager has caused the 26-year-old to seek a move.

But the German boss told reporters he does not know about Werner seeking to leave Stamford Bridge.

Asked if there is any substance behind the reports, Tuchel told reporters on Friday: “I don’t think so.

“I don’t know about it, Timo has not talked to me about it.

“At the moment I think he wants to make his way at Chelsea. He has still to prove a point.”

The former Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain boss further warned the Blues hierarchy of the danger of not signing new players.

Chelsea has only brought in two players during the transfer window – Raheem Sterling from Manchester City and Koulibaly from Napoli and is on the verge of announcing a deal for Jules Kounde from Sevilla.

But the German gaffer wants things done faster and more players signed in other positions too. Chelsea needs at least one striker, having allowed Romelu Lukaku join Inter Milan on loan.

“Somebody told me years ago and I’ll never forget, if you’re on a stairlift that is going down, to maintain your position you have to keep on walking, and this is what it is,” said the Chelsea manager.

“Premier League and high-level sports, in general, is so demanding that if you want to maintain your position you have to improve.

“We have to do our homework. The other teams are not sleeping, we need to be more competitive than we are at the moment.”

They finished in the third position in the Premier League table last season behind Liverpool and champions Manchester City but are hoping to challenge for the title this next season.