Chelsea players are becoming increasingly concerned the club's transfer ban is and will continue to cost them in regards to key players.
The Blues are unable to buy or sell players or negotiate new contracts with current stars until they have a new owner, following sanctions imposed on Roman Abramovich seven weeks ago by the UK Government in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has already claimed the sanctions left the club with their 'hands tied' with regards to Antonio Rudiger, who is leaving the club on a free transfer and has agreed a four-year deal with Real Madrid.
But a report in The Times claims the Stamford Bridge dressing room feels sanctions could continue to harm them both in terms of incomings and outgoings until the takeover process is complete.
Sportsmail understands West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice would like a return to Chelsea - who released the £150million Man United and Man City target as a 14-year-old - but that current instability at Stamford Bridge makes that unlikely.
Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is another reported midfield target, but Real Madrid and Liverpool are reportedly already lining up offers which would appear to put the Blues behind in the race.
The Telegraph also reported earlier this week Blues scouts have been watching Villarreal and Spain defender Pau Torres, who has a release clause of around £55m and is also of interest to the two Manchester clubs.
In terms of outgoings, Rudiger's fellow centre-back Andreas Christensen is expected to join Barcelona while club captain Cesar Azpilicueta could also leave once he has held discussions with the new owners.
Midfielders N'Golo Kante and Jorginho are close to entering the final year of their contracts and the same outlet claims the Italy international is considering a summer return to Serie A.
With all the uncertainty around the players, the report adds members of Tuchel's squad feel it could push the German manager himself towards the Stamford Bridge exit.
The former Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund boss described the Rudiger situation as 'disappointing' and is unable to seek replacements for his compatriot or Christensen until the takeover is completed.
'Even then it will be incredibly difficult because Toni is a big personality, a big leader and he takes fear away from other people,' Tuchel added.
'We will miss him a lot. It will be challenging but, no matter how much I love Toni and how big a role he has played, there will be life at Chelsea without Toni Rudiger. We will find solutions.'
The takeover process however does appear to be making progress, with a preferred buyer expected to be selected this week.
Still in the running to replace Abramovich are a consortium led by Sir Martin Broughton, the former Liverpool chairman, and another headed by LA Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly.
The third group includes Steve Pagliuca, who co-owns the Boston Celtics, and Toronto Maple Leafs backer Larry Tanenbaum.
Boehly's consortium, it is claimed, met the Chelsea board at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, with the other two bidders due to make their final presentations on Wednesday.
Last week, the £2.5billion bid fronted by Broughton was revealed to have £10million contributions each from Sir Lewis Hamilton and Serena Williams.
The sporting greats appear unlikely investors in a Premier League club, but Williams already has a stake in Angel City FC, the LA-based franchise who play in the National Women's Soccer League.
The pair are also good friends, with Williams having attended several grands prix as Hamilton's guest and the F1 driver spending much of his spare time on the west coast of America.
Because of sanctions imposed on Abramovich, any deal would have to be agreed by the UK Government.
faaablmny
1
shut up he goes no where.
fN_sPortsArena
1
hear a fool wishing to snatch another Chelsea player . no problem just bring £150m and d player is yours.
Sorry, I can't argue with you when u insult
ceoaclmpr
3
Chelsea is my favorite team I Chelsea today and forever
Easytemple-CR7-CP10
0
Just wait and see how Perez gonna do it this time, James and Tuchel will follow suit to Rudiger 👑🤣🤣🤣
Let wait and see dude
kadoosh
0
excuses
Wadclnoptu
0
Just wait and see how Perez gonna do it this time, James and Tuchel will follow suit to Rudiger 👑🤣🤣🤣
hear a fool wishing to snatch another Chelsea player . no problem just bring £150m and d player is yours.
UgodonFabulous
0
This makes no sense but hey you're free to show your stupidity[Crylaugh]
😂😂😂😂 let it be
JusAKoolGuy
0
Which ever player from any clubs that wants to go can go, football these days are a business and some players are after money. For chelsea maybe an overhaul will be better, who knows but one thing for sure is who ever takes over the club knows what has to be done and done quickly.
Echee27
2
I love this word from him "but no matter how much I love Toni and how big a role he has played, there will be life at Chelsea without Toni Rudiger, and there will be a solution"
JusAKoolGuy
2
Everton to Chelsea: you'll battle with relegation like us next season 😂🤣
[image]
This makes no sense but hey you're free to show your stupidity[Crylaugh]
bezeimntyz
0
calm down is gonna be fine
Oliveroliver
0
No worries. Just thought you might want to know.
Yeah definitely... That's why I'm thankful..
besacelmpy
0
OK thanks... I can't just differentiate.
No worries. Just thought you might want to know.
Oliveroliver
0
Chelsea are a West London team. Arsenal and Spurs are from North London.
OK thanks... I can't just differentiate.
besacelmpy
1
What is it?.. The sanctions are against Russian oligarchs not North Londoners..
Chelsea are a West London team. Arsenal and Spurs are from North London.
fN_sPortsArena
1
Just wait and see how Perez gonna do it this time, James and Tuchel will follow suit to Rudiger 👑🤣🤣🤣
UgodonFabulous
0
Everton to Chelsea: you'll battle with relegation like us next season 😂🤣
Oliveroliver
0
What is it?.. The sanctions are against Russian oligarchs not North Londoners..
Dudacdey
1
course of concern
Wadclnoptu
0
If the intentions of the UK gov't is to kill Chelsea fc systematically no problem. but the question is who looses. forgetting that it's same Brits that are affected. the earlier the new owners are announced the better .
Finbdklpr
0
fabricated story
Liheikloty
4
May God see Chelsea, the Coach and players through this tough time. What an unbelievable situation for Chelsea. I sincerely hope this sanction come to an end without any further damage to Chelsea. I hope Rudiger's case can still be savaged. Christensen can go Much Love and respect to Chelsea for keeping strong together. Fans all over the world are with You Chelsea.
ClemJay
1
This is a serious dilemma for both the players and coach