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Timo Werner in race to prove Chelsea FC value as Thomas Tuchel eyes Erling Haaland and Sergio Aguero

<p>Timo Werner has struggled in his first season at Chelsea</p> (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Timo Werner has struggled in his first season at Chelsea

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Timo Werner is facing a race to convince Thomas Tuchel he can rediscover his scoring touch, with the Chelsea manager set to finalise his summer transfer plans.

Tuchel is a big admirer of Sergio Aguero, while Erling Haaland is his top a target when the window opens.

With Olivier Giroud out of contract in the summer and doubts over Tammy Abraham’s future, Chelsea have made reinforcing their attack a priority.

While Tuchel has offered encouragement to Werner during his woeful run in front of goal, his long-term position is uncertain, particularly after being dropped for the last two games.

With at least one new striker set to arrive – and Mason Mount and Kai Havertz seen as key figures at the club - Werner faces a fight to prove he can be part of Chelsea’s first-choice attack going forward.

The £45million signing from RB Leipzig has managed just two goals in his last 29 appearances and was an unused substitute in the games against Crystal Palace and FC Porto.

He is hoping to get a start against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday to boost his chances of leading Chelsea’s attack in the final weeks of the campaign, but Tuchel has been pleased with the performances of the front three of Havertz, Mount and Christian Pulisic in recent games.

While sources in Germany believe Werner could depart after just one season at Stamford Bridge, it is thought the prospect of selling him has not yet been discussed as part of Chelsea’s recruitment plans.

Erling Haaland is Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetGetty Images
Erling Haaland is Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetGetty Images

But he still needs to provide evidence he can rediscover the form that made him one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe when Chelsea beat Liverpool and Real Madrid to his signature last summer.

While Tuchel has publicly and privately offered him support, the manager is due to hold talks with chief Marina Granovskaia and [technical and performance adviser] Petr Cech about what is required to turn Chelsea into Premier League title challengers next season.

A top-class striker will be top of his list, so the question of how Werner fits into his plans will have to be addressed, considering Hakim Ziyech and Pulisic are also part of that equation behind Havertz and Mount.

But Thomas Tuchel is also a big admirer of Manchester City’s Sergio AgueroGetty Images
But Thomas Tuchel is also a big admirer of Manchester City’s Sergio AgueroGetty Images

It is still hoped that settling into life in England and adjusting to Premier League football is the reason behind Werner’s struggles. And his assists record – providing 11 in all competitions – has been a major plus in his first year at the club.

But his failure to prove himself a lethal finisher in front of goal is the main reason why Chelsea believe they need a world class No9 to take them to the next level.

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