Chelsea striker Timo Werner has emerged as a transfer target for Real Madrid, according to a report.
The Germany international only managed four goals in the 2021-22 Premier League season and is one of several Blues attackers being linked with a summer exit.
Newcastle United have been strongly linked with a move for Werner, whose contract at Stamford Bridge does not expire for another three years.
However, a recent report claimed that Blues boss Thomas Tuchel had blocked Werner from leaving Chelsea following the departure of Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan.
Nevertheless, Defensa Central claims that Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on the situation with a view to potentially signing the former RB Leipzig man.
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Los Blancos were thought to have been interested in a move for Werner back in 2020 during his time at Leipzig, but financial difficulties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic led Bernabeu chiefs to end their interest.
Werner has since posted respectable statistics during his time at Stamford Bridge, racking up 23 goals and 21 assists in 89 appearances in all competitions since his £47.7m arrival.
However, there is a general acceptance that Werner has struggled to exhibit his best form in blue, and he only started 15 Premier League matches in the 2021-22 season.
Real Madrid supposedly only want to strike a loan deal for Werner, who would have to accept his role as Karim Benzema's backup at the Bernabeu.
Current strikers Mariano Diaz and Borja Mayoral are not expected to stay at Real Madrid beyond the summer, which will lead Carlo Ancelotti to seek out a new centre-forward in the weeks ahead.
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Werner is not the only Blues striker being linked with a switch to the Champions League holders, with Armando Broja also reported to be on the Blancos' radar.
West Ham United failed in their efforts to prise Broja away from Stamford Bridge and instead signed Gianluca Scamacca, with Tuchel fighting to keep hold of the Albania international.
Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic could potentially follow Lukaku and Werner out of the door, with the former understood to be in discussions with Serie A champions AC Milan.
Chelsea are also said to be considering an exit for Callum Hudson-Odoi, with Tuchel no longer viewing the injury-hit Englishman as an indispensable member of his squad.
Raheem Sterling has already arrived at Stamford Bridge to bolster Chelsea's attack, and the Blues are reported to have joined Manchester United in the race for Red Bull Salzburg's Benjamin Sesko.
Ben Knapton
