Newcastle United hovering with intent for Chelsea striker

Timo Werner has emerged as a transfer target for Newcastle United, following their controversial recent multi-million takeover. The new Magpies owners prepare to embark upon a lavish spending spree to improve their squad. Representatives of the German striker are said to be maintaining contact, with a potential move away from Chelsea under careful consideration.

Since arriving from RB Leipzig for a transfer fee worth £47.5 million, although he has also had some rotten luck with VAR decisions. The 25-year-old forward has only managed to produce a modest return of 14 goals in 60 appearances. While the versatile forward has also contributed 16 assists during that period of time, such numbers don’t match the high expectations fans or management, which originally greeted the German international.

Thus far during the 2021-22 campaign Werner has 1 goal and 1 assist in 8 outings. Although increased competition for minutes on the pitch has also reduced his playing time, including just 3 starts in the Premier League. Inevitably, the club-record arrival of Romelu Lukaku has also made the fight for games much harder, with manager Thomas Tuchel clearly favouring the powerful Belgian as his tip of the attacking lance.

In comments published at German outlet Express, translated by Bulinews, it was difficult for Werner to hide his frustrations. “The last weeks at Chelsea have been difficult for me. I fell behind and had to fight my way back. In a career, things always go up and down, never steadily up. But you learn to deal with it. I have to force my way back in, and that’s what challenges me. Of course I want more playing time, so I’m giving everything in training.”

“Of course I can’t be satisfied if I don’t play. Of course I want to be a regular starter for a big team,” admitted Werner, clearly dissatisfied with the lack of minutes under Tuchel. “But I’m not saying I’m desperate to leave if I don’t start 10 or 15 games before Christmas. In football, things change relatively quickly. I have to look at the big picture to make my decision,” suggested Werner, sending a mixed message that indicates his options are open right now.

Combined with the reduced playing time, such words may be regarded by some as a “come and get me” plea from Werner, should he continue playing second fiddle behind the first-choice attacking options Tuchel prefers to deploy. This has inevitably led to speculation that Werner could even leave Chelsea, were the right kind of approach to materialise, accompanied by guarantees of being offered a starring role elsewhere.

Thus arrives the apparent interest of Newcastle United, who now have money to spend after the blockbuster takeover, along with a clear sense of urgency that squad improvements are needed. Such is the message from reputable Bild Sport journalist Christian Falk, who insists that reports linking Werner with the Magpies are entirely true. He points at regular contact between Werner’s agency and Newcastle, sparking the potential for a move to happen.

Given that Chelsea are hot contenders for the Premier League title, considered genuine challengers according to the latest odds at leading bookies, the club would be reluctant to let Werner go if Tuchel still has plans for the forward. The latest Asiabet guide covers the best betting sites, where great value odds and offers can be found, accompanied by recommendations for which bookmakers have the broadest range of football betting markets.

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