Thomas Tuchel admits Chelsea "feel more like spectators" in dealing with players whose contracts are expiring.

The Blues are unable to discuss new contracts with their players due to sanctions on current owner Roman Abramovich.

The club are close to being taken over by a consortium led by Todd Boehly, an American billionaire and co-owner of the LA Dodgers baseball team.

"You can end up in a situation where players talk with other clubs and get distracted," Chelsea boss Tuchel said.

"It's easier if you are free to act and be involved in the talks. Right now we feel more like spectators."

In the meantime, Chelsea have already lost Antonio Rudiger to free agency, while Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta are both being targeted by Barcelona.