Just as Chelsea were up against one of their biggest rivals in the market for a world-class goalkeeper four years ago, the European champions will find that central defenders are in demand this summer.

Manchester United’s new manager Erik ten Hag will sign at least one new central defender, while Antonio Conte will encourage Tottenham to sign two if he remains at the club. Newcastle United could help push prices up in their hunt for defenders, while AC Milan have already dealt a blow to English clubs by agreeing a deal to sign Sven Botman from Lille.

The Botman deal looks like good early business for Milan, but Chelsea are currently unable to set up any summer deals with the club operating under the sanctions imposed on Roman Abramovich that prevent them signing or selling players.

With the bidders for Chelsea waiting to find out which of them will be selected as the preferred buyer and the Premier League already making background checks on all three groups ahead of one being presented for UK Government approval, the club’s transfer plans are on hold.

It is understood that, regardless of whether or not Azpilicueta stays, Tuchel will recommend that the next owners invest in two new defenders but Chelsea could well find themselves playing catch up on their rivals.

Sevilla’s Jules Kounde remains a target and much of the leg-work into his potential signature was done last summer, which could help Chelsea, but the fact that one of the incoming defenders will need to be able to play on the left of a back three makes the task even more difficult.

Top-class left-sided central defenders are rated as particularly difficult to find and Chelsea may regret not following up on their interest in re-signing Nathan Ake, who they had a first-option agreement on, ahead of his move to Manchester City two years ago.

Had Tuchel been head coach at the time, then re-signing Ake may have been considered a greater priority as the Holland international is most comfortable in the back three favoured by the German, rather than in a four at the back that then-Chelsea coach Frank Lampard normally favoured.

Villarreal’s Pau Torres is currently considered one of the best left-footed central defenders in Europe, but Chelsea would face competition from Manchester United and potentially others for the 25-year-old.

Lukaku’s situation is rated by sources close to Chelsea as a “nightmare” for the incoming owners, with the Belgian concerned about his future and expected to hold talks with the club.