Werner transfer "getting closer" despite Chelsea boss Tuchel's stance

Chelsea forward Timo Werner is reportedly closing in on a move back to RB Leipzig as the Blues could have to face up to losing a second forward in one window.

The Blues have already lost Romelu Lukaku in the current transfer window, with the Belgian international rejoining Inter Milan on loan for the season. Raheem Sterling's arrival from Manchester City has given Thomas Tuchel's side more options in attack, but an exit for Werner would still leave the London side looking light.

Werner joined Chelsea in the summer of 2020 after a 28-goal Bundesliga season in Leipzig, and there may be a feeling he can reproduce that form after a tough time in front of goal for Chelsea. However, if the German international is to return to his former club, it will come despite - not because of - Tuchel's wishes.

After joining the Blues in 2020, Werner admitted he felt "the whole package was a better fit" amid interest from elsewhere. After scoring just 10 league goals across two seasons, though, he is no longer an automatic pick and is thought to be keen on regular football to guarantee a spot in Germany's World Cup squad.

According to Sky Sport in Germany, talks between Werner and RB Leipzig are "in full swing" ahead of a potential return. The 26-year-old scored 95 goals for the Bundesliga side in 159 games, making his Germany debut while on the books of Die Roten Bullen.

While Tuchel handed Werner just 21 league appearances last season, the German coach is still said to be keen to keep his compatriot on board. The conflict comes through the upcoming World Cup, though, with the forward's heart set on helping Germany recover from their 2018 group stage elimination.

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"First of all, the most important thing is that I am happy," Werner said in July. "I am happy when I play and score goals. That's the fact. I could be happy everywhere.

"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. I think it doesn't change anything whether it is a winter World Cup or in the summer. I think if I play half or the season or the whole season, I should play."

Werner scored five times for Germany during their World Cup qualifying campaign - the joint highest total in their group alongside teammates Serge Gnabry and Ilkay Gundogan. Hansi Flick's side won nine of their 10 games to seal their spot in Qatar, where they will face Spain, Costa Rica and Japan in the group stage.