According to manager Thomas Tuchel, the uncertainty surrounding Chelsea's ownership is providing their rivals an early advantage in the summer transfer market.

The UK government has sanctioned Blues owner Roman Abramovich, and the Premier League club is in the process of being sold.

Chelsea are prohibited from signing players or agreeing to contract extensions with existing members of their team under the rules of a special license that allows the club to operate.

Antonio Rudiger has decided to leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer as a result of this. When his contract expires in June, Andreas Christensen is also in advanced talks to join Barcelona.

As it stands, Chelsea can not approach possible replacements or look to strengthen their squad in other areas at a time when many others are beginning to take steps in the market.

“[In a normal season], you are never fully sure, but we would have some targets and we would have definitely contacted some players and found out about their situations."

Of course, now our hands are tied. We can still have talks inside the building, but we cannot act. The situation is not ideal, "Tuchel said."