Timo Werner may reportedly be given permission to depart Chelsea during the summer transfer window.

While the forward's first two years at Stamford Bridge cannot be regarded as an overwhelming success, he has still contributed 23 goals and 21 assists from 89 appearances and won the 2021 Champions League.

However, having made just 15 starts in the Premier League last season, the 26-year-old has concerns about his place in Germany's World Cup squad.

Speaking earlier this week, Werner said: "I could be happy everywhere. I think of course the manager always has different ideas, different thoughts and what you need in different games, I think in many games I was not in his thoughts so I try to change that.

"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.

In response, Tuchel challenged Werner to "show quality", saying: "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. 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."

According to Sky Sport Deutschland reporter Florian Plettenberg, the situation could soon come to a head with Werner being allowed to leave the Premier League club.

Plettenberg suggests that Werner does not feel that he has overwhelming backing from Tuchel, something which may lead to a parting of the ways.

Chelsea have recently been prioritising their efforts to sign a second centre-back after the arrival of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli.

However, it appears highly likely that Sevilla's Jules Kounde will soon follow with Chelsea having seemingly agreed to sign the France international for £55m.

While Tuchel is said to still want one more centre-back before the end of the transfer window, Kounde's arrival would allow him to contemplate changes further forward.

With Raheem Sterling signing from Manchester City and Werner already behind Kai Havertz in the pecking order, Werner currently stands to be no more than backup in the final third.

Werner netted in Chelsea's recent friendly against Club America, but he missed the following game with Charlotte FC through a hamstring injury. body check tags ::