Chelsea’s striker dilemma: Under-fire Timo Werner, Exit-linked Tammy Abraham and Giroud

Olivier Giroud-Chelsea

Tuchel looks to have disappointed with Chelsea’s lack of attacking output.

Thomas Tuchel, without a doubt, has transformed Chelsea into a force to reckon with – they are in the top four battle and semi-finals of Champions League – however, whether the German gaffer has managed to plug the gaps since taking charge.

The most impressive aspects of the current Chelsea side are the robust defence and the flourishing midfield but the attacking department – especially the striker position – is second-rate.

Timo Werner was the highly anticipated acquisition last summer, and many thought he would be the solution to the long-standing striker curse at Stamford Bridge. 

But the German international didn’t lift the curse as he struggled to make his presence felt, unlike his previous spell at RB Leipzig.

Both Frank Lampard and his successor persisted with Werner, which in return limited the playing time for second choice strikers Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud.

Perhaps, Abraham was fairly successful in the first half of the last season, racking up 18 goals in all competitions, while Giroud’s notable cameo in the latter half saw the Blues finish fourth in the Premier League table.

Although there is a dip in form for Abraham and Giroud – which is understandable due to the lack of game time, they weren’t as bad as they are being painted now. In fact, the duo’s numbers are more or less similar to that of Werner.

No Premier League player has missed more Big Chances in league and European competition this season than Timo Werner: 
◎ 29 Big Chances 
◉ 21 missed 
◎ 8 scored 
Another huge chance tonight. #UCL
In the last six months Timo Werner has scored five goals in his last 34 appearances for Chelsea. Three of them goals came right at the start of November. 
Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud have ten. 
Werner = 2,375 minutes 
Abraham = 1,137 minutes 
Giroud = 1,044 minutes

A recent report states the Blues are willing to offload Abraham for around £40m while another one suggests Giroud could also move this summer.

Werner’s surprise exit rumours surfaced some weeks ago, and if he is to leave this summer, the Blues are left with another under-fire star Kai Havertz as the only striking option.

Havertz, the compatriot of Werner, also received a lot of stick after failing to live up to his expensive price tag. Although he is littered with potential, the 21-year-old is not the typical number 9 with goal-scoring instincts.

The Londoners have drawn out top players like Erling Haaland and Romelu Lukaku as the priority targets this summer, which will give added cushion to Tuchel.

We all know how it started for Lukaku at Chelsea, and now he is one of the best strikers in the world. The Belgian has been a different animal at Inter over the last two seasons, and the credit goes out to Antonio Conte as well for unlocking his full potential.

The Blues need to avoid a Lukaku-esque situation with Abraham, who is young and can be a great success if he is directed in the right direction.

Tammy Abraham has only played 3 minutes of Chelsea's last eight Premier League matches and has started just 12 times all season. Yet no Chelsea player has scored more Premier League goals than him (6)...

Instead of splashing out on a new striker, Chelsea need to back both Werner and Abraham as both are highly talented, and only the lack of consistency is hindering their development.

Tuchel holds the key whether he needs a prolific striker in the summer or opting to stick with the available players.

Tuchel needs to give Tammy Abraham a chance. He has given Timo countless opportunities to prove himself and he has failed to deliver. Tammy is a proven goal scorer and deserves a shot in this Chelsea side. He scores most of those chances Werner has missed this season. #CFC
West Ham target Tammy Abraham will be available for transfer this summer if a bid of £40m is tabled for the England striker. (Source: Football London)
Chelsea's main priority is to sign a striker like Erling Haaland or Romelu Lukaku this summer, according to Bild