Chelsea will reportedly serve the first half of their transfer ban this summer, despite having a chance to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The Blues were informed earlier this year that they had broken FIFA transfer regulations, resulting in a two-window suspension being handed to the Premier League side.
Chelsea had seemingly wanted to put forward a case for having the punishment frozen or overturned in order to sign players ahead of the start of next season.
However, according to The Sun, Chelsea's appeal will not be heard before August 14, which comes after the end of the current window.
Chelsea would still be able to sign current loanee Mateo Kovacic, although there is a suggestion that the West Londoners may pass on the permanent addition of the Real Madrid midfielder.