Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has reportedly ended Timo Werner's chances of leaving the Blues this summer.
The 26-year-old has largely struggled to show his best form for the London side since arriving from RB Leipzig in July 2020 despite boasting a respectable record of 23 goals and 21 assists in 89 matches for the club.
Last season, the Germany international scored 11 times and provided six assists in 37 appearances in all competitions, although he only found the back of the net on four occasions in the Premier League.
There has been a host of speculation surrounding the forward's future this summer, with a recent report claiming that four clubs were competing for his signature.
Leipzig are allegedly keen to bring him back to the club, while Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United and Juventus have also been credited with an interest.
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Werner is said to be keen to seek pastures new this summer in a bid to reignite his career, but according to Kicker, Tuchel has blocked the German from leaving Stamford Bridge.
The report claims that the Chelsea manager still views Werner as an important part of his squad, especially with Romelu Lukaku already leaving this summer to return to Inter Milan on loan.
"I could be happy everywhere," Werner said earlier this month when asked about his future. "It is clear I want to play more and I should play more to first be in good shape for the World Cup and also to have a chance to play at the World Cup.
"It doesn't change anything whether it is a winter World Cup or in the summer. I think if I play half of the season or the whole season, I should play. It doesn't change anything in my mind."
However, Tuchel recently dismissed suggestions that the attacker is keen to leave the Blues this summer.
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"I don't think so (is there substance behind the transfer reports). I don't know about it, Timo has not talked to me about it. In the moment I think he wants to make his way at Chelsea. He has still to prove a point," the Blues head coach told reporters.
Chelsea are in a strong position when it comes to Werner's future, as he still has three years left to run on his contract with last season's FA Cup and EFL Cup finalists.
The German started his side's 4-0 defeat to Arsenal in Florida on July 23, playing the opening 45 minutes of the pre-season friendly.
Chelsea, who have signed Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling in the current market, will play their final friendly of the summer against Udinese on Friday evening before beginning their 2022-23 Premier League campaign away to Everton on August 6.
Matt Law
