Thomas Tuchel is reportedly urging the Chelsea board to offload underperforming attacking duo Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku in the summer.
According to a report from Football Insider, Thomas Tuchel wants Chelsea to offload Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku. The German tactician is not convinced with their underwhelming performances at Stamford Bridge and is keen on signing a new “world class” striker by shipping them off to other clubs in the summer.
Tuchel is particularly disappointed with the performance of Lukaku. The Belgian was brought in to put an end to Chelsea’s goalscoring woes. But after a promising start to the season, he has struggled to offer consistency and threat in front of goal, scoring only five times in 19 league matches. He is yet to even score a single goal since the turn of the year.
On top of his poor performances, Lukaku’s comments regarding a potential return to Inter Milan have affected the relationship between him and Tuchel. The Belgian, as a result, is determined to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer, with Inter Milan his desired destination.
Werner has endured similar struggles at Stamford Bridge. He has failed to offer productivity in the final third, netting just one goal in 14 league matches this term. His performances have not convinced Tuchel, who has favoured Kai Havertz as his main number nine this season, effectively leading to a lack of game-time for the former RB Leipzig starlet.
In an attempt to relaunch his career, Werner could consider an exit in the summer. He has been targeted by Borussia Dortmund as a potential replacement for Erling Haaland, while FC Barcelona have sounded out their interest as well.
Chelsea should have no problems sanctioning the exit of these two individuals. However, it remains to be seen if any European club are willing to meet their financial demands, with Lukaku, in particular, likely to cost a fortune, having joined Chelsea in a deal worth almost £100 million last summer.
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As things stand, the Blues are also under a transfer embargo, meaning they are barred from signing any new players. It could play a crucial role in the plans for the upcoming season, and it won’t be surprising to see Tuchel being asked to continue with Lukaku for at least another season.
