Thomas Tuchel to get real with Chelsea rebuild as 15 players face boot at Stamford Bridge

As many as 15 players could get shipped out by Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea this summer with Timo Werner the highest profile star to leave the club.

Tuchel’s transfer business has been delayed this summer with the takeover of the club by Todd Boehly. The west Londoners were barred from approaching current players with new deals as well as offering contracts to potential new signings.

The German coach admitted in May that he was “rebuilding, not improving the squad”. There were even suggestions Tuchel could walk away, but he made it clear in May he was up for “the challenge”.

Boehly, who is acting at co-owner, chairman and sporting director at the club, has been working tirelessly behind the scenes. And Raheem Sterling has joined in a £50m transfer, while Kalidou Koulibaly followed him from Napoli in a £33.8m deal.

Tuchel though is chasing more new recruits, while wielding the axe on as many as 15 fringe players.

The biggest casualty of Tuchel’s rebuild could be Germany international Werner. The 26-year-old made just 15 Premier League starts last season and he has hinted he could orchestrate a move away.

“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,” said the former RB Leipzig man.

It’s understood Chelsea will listen to offers for the striker this summer. But they will undoubtedly have to take a hit on the £45m they paid for the player in June 2020.

Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Romelu Lukaku have already left Stamford Bridge, the latter being on loan.

But Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso could also move on with Barcelona circling. Fellow defender Levi Colwill, who was on loan at Huddersfield last term,