Chelsea’s £77.4m transfer problem will be a blessing to Liverpool and Man City

Premier League managerial departures so far this season

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Chelsea have enjoyed a strong start to the new campaign, but there is an underlying issue at the club which could well benefit both Liverpool and Manchester City in the long run. Thomas Tuchel’s side have continued their success from last season into this year, opening up a three-point gap at the top of the table.

They hold the best defensive record in the Premier League and only Liverpool have scored more goals.

Even more impressive is the fact they’ve been without record signing Romelu Lukaku for the last three league games.

The international break came at a good time for Chelsea though, with a number of players picking up little knocks, allowing them to recover at the club.

Lukaku is now back in training and could be in contention to return against Leicester this weekend.

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Timo Werner, Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic could also be in line to feature along with Kai Havertz.

Having a fully-fit squad to choose from will be welcome news for Tuchel heading into the busy festive period.

But behind the scenes, Chelsea have a bigger issue to resolve which risks unravelling all their hard work.

The contract situations around Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta remain unresolved.

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Multiple reports have emerged over the international break on clubs being interested in all four players.

The uncertainty on their future could well cause issues for Tuchel down the line, particularly entering the January transfer market.

All four players will be available to speak to prospective new clubs in the New Year and could move their focus elsewhere.

And it could come at a huge cost to Chelsea too with transfermarkt valuing the quartet at a combined £77.4million.

Given their contract situations, Chelsea are extremely unlikely to get anything close to that figure should all four players be sold in January.

Reports have suggested that Chelsea are relaxed about Azpilicueta and Silva, although negotiations with Christensen and Rudiger haven’t gone to plan so far.

The issue off the field could come as a blessing for Liverpool and City as they bid to catch Chelsea at the top of the table.

Neither Liverpool or City have any of their main first-team players out of contract next year, meaning they can focus on the full season without any real fears of them looking for a new challenge.

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