Thomas Tuchel's message to new Chelsea owners to avoid repeating Rudiger and Christensen mistake

Thomas Tuchel believes decisions over the futures of N'Golo Kante and Jorginho must be made this summer – one way or the other – so that Chelsea do not endure another season of uncertainty over two key members of the first-team squad.

Kante and Jorginho have been the go-to central midfield pairing for Tuchel since the German took charge at Stamford Bridge 14 months ago. The duo were imperious throughout the Champions League knockout stages last term and were huge factors as to why the Blues claimed the big-eared trophy in Porto in May

Both have remained key figures this term – and started in midweek against Real Madrid. Yet as things stand, the contracts of Kante and Jorginho expire in the summer of 2023 and talks have been unable to take place over new deals with Chelsea working under a strict government licence after Roman Abramovich was sanctioned as part of the UK's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

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What also has to be considered is the age of the two midfielders; Kante celebrated his 31st birthday earlier this month while Jorginho turned 30 in December. Chelsea have traditionally only offered players in their thirties one-year contract extensions, although that policy may change under the club's new ownership.

What is clear, however, is Tuchel wants the futures of his two midfielders sorted. Another season of constant speculation – as has been the case this term with Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen – is the last thing the German says a top-level coach enjoys.

"Nobody wants that with big players and important players nowadays," the Blues boss said ahead of his side's Premier League