Tuchel fears out-of-contract Chelsea stars will QUIT on free transfers with club’s future uncertain as Abramovich sells

CHELSEA manager Thomas Tuchel is concerned Chelsea’s out-of-contract stars could leave the club in the summer.

Roman Abramovich putting The Blues up for sale has generated a lot of uncertainty around Stamford Bridge.

Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and American Todd Boehler are said to be interested but they could restrict spending if they complete a takeover.

And that could mean Chelsea lose defensive trio Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen who are all out of contract in the summer.

Tuchel said: “The bottom line is maybe we can’t help it – it is what it is.

“You never know maybe it has a positive effect on the negotiations or maybe it has a negative effect.

“We cannot predict and I would like not to predict on scenarios because you just lose focus, but everyone has a different situation and feels different about it (the sale).

“I hope for the best outcome still, I think we have something to offer still. Chelsea are a strong club and will stay a strong club.

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“Our owner decided to sell the club but he sells a strong, solid, organised club at the highest level.”

Azpilicueta has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona which would end his 10-year spell at Stamford Bridge.

Rudiger and Christensen are also attracting interest from elsewhere with Borussia Dortmund said to be keen on the latter.

Manchester United are reportedly plotting a surprise move for Rudiger but face competition for his signature from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.