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Thomas Tuchel believes the fact that Chelsea cannot currently make any signings or sales may actually be beneficial, rather than a hindrance – but welcomes the news that Cesar Azpilicueta can stay.

Until a takeover of the club goes through, Chelsea are blocked from doing any kind of transfer business. What’s more, they are unable to negotiate new contracts with any of their players. It has led to uncertain situations for many.

Three of their defenders – Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen – have been approaching the end of their contracts. It would be helpful for Chelsea to keep any of them, but that looks tricky.

However, a clause in Azpilicueta’s existing deal means reaching a certain number of appearances can trigger an extension. Reports have been circling with information that he has met the necessary criteria.

Tuchel has now been able to confirm the good news for Chelsea with regards to the Barcelona target.

Of the contract extension, he said: “I knew it was going to happen because I knew the number of games. It’s good news for us.

“We needed to make him stay and make his contract extend. So that makes me happy. You know how much I rely on him.”

There are no such protections for Chelsea when it comes to Rudiger and Christensen, though.

The former will have plenty of suitors, while the latter may already have an agreement with