Todd Boehly or Jim Ratcliffe?
Who will eventually come out on top during this takeover race which keeps on taking unexpected twists and turns after what was an unexpected eleventh-hour bid from the richest man in Britain? Just like all the fans, Thomas Tuchel and Petr Cech will be eager for a final resolution to be reached sooner rather than later, with the Antonio Rudiger leaving situation coming as a result of dithering in this takeover process.
"At the moment, it is not possible because of the sanctions. And even when the sanctions are in the past, it will be incredibly difficult. Toni is what he is. He is a big personality, a big leader, he takes the fear away from other people, gives you confidence when he is next to you and has played 50-60 matches over 90 minutes with incredible consistency. So it will be challenging, but like always, no matter how much I love Toni and how big a role he played, there will be Chelsea without Toni Rudiger, and we will find solutions," the German manager said on the takeover uncertainty and Rudiger after the West Ham win. " I know he is very aware of it [takeover situation], and I am just happy to have had the chance to coach him and have him in the team because he was nothing but brilliant until today. The club did as well, we had big offers for him, and the club tried everything. But for some weeks, we can't fight anymore because of the sanctions. We could not adjust or continue, so it is what it is."
READ MORE: Chelsea sale: How Jim Ratcliffe can still win takeover race despite Todd Boehly progress
With Andreas Christensen to Barcelona already seemingly done, coupled with Cesar Azpilicueta's uncertain future, it means that the new owners need to hit the ground running as Chelsea prepares for a busy summer transfer window with a mix of internal and external signings the order of the day.
Therefore, it's no wonder Tuchel and Cech were spotted watching the next generation of Chelsea talent play in the Under 18's set-up in their match on Saturday in the Premier League U18's Southern Division in their London derby against Crystal Palace. Chelsea Youth reported the news with their tweet: 'Tommy Tuchel and Petr Cech taking in some of this one in the company of Neil Bath...'
A 2-2 draw was the result for Neil Bath's side who had occupied the fifth place before kick-off. It is expected that Tuchel and Cech now will travel together to Goodison Park with the rest of the squad for their Super Sunday fixture against Frank Lampard's Everton. They will be keeping an eye out on any further developments regarding the Boehly/Ratcliffe battle.
