The news that Roman Abramovich would be having his UK assets frozen on Thursday morning had a whole host of implications for Chelsea Football Club.
Perhaps one of the most pressing issues is that until the club changes hands, the Blues are barred from extending the contracts of any current players.
Here is a look at all of the squad members that this could affect…
1. Antonio Rudiger
Rudiger has been one of Chelsea’s best performers in recent years / Catherine Ivill/GettyImages
Antonio Rudiger has blossomed into a world-class centre-back over the past few seasons.
Not only does he read the game superbly, he is also afforded opportunities to bound forward in possession as part of Thomas Tuchel’s patented back three.
Rudiger seemingly understands his own value too, and his hefty contract demands are understood to have convinced Chelsea to try their luck without him next season. Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are his most likely destinations.
2. Andreas Christensen
Christensen no longer looks likely to remain at the club / Marc Atkins/GettyImages
For a long time Andreas Christensen looked likely to pen fresh terms at Stamford Bridge. However, following a breakdown in talks, Barcelona look set to secure his signature in the not-so-distant future.
This is a significant blow for the Blues as the Dane is another important member of the squad – if not quite as vital as Rudiger.
3. Cesar Azpilicueta
Azpilicueta’s departure would be harshly felt / Mike Hewitt/GettyImages
Completing the trio of Chelsea defenders likely on the move this summer is club captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
Azpilicueta has won it all with the Blues since arriving from Marseille in 2012 and it looks like he may fancy a change of scenery at the end of the season. Again, Barcelona appears most likely to sign him as Xavi looks to blend youth and experience to return La Blaugrana to their perch.
4. Danny Drinkwater
Drinkwater has been a disastrous signing / Richard Heathcote/GettyImages
It is easy to forget just how much Danny Drinkwater cost Chelsea back in 2017.
The £35m midfielder has been one of the most underwhelming signings in Premier League history, making just a handful appearances and being blighted by off-field issues.
Just how far he will fall down the footballing pyramid when he leaves in the summer remains to be seen.
5. Charly Musonda
Musonda is a forgotten man at Chelsea / Soccrates Images/GettyImages
Injuries have curtailed Charly Musonda’s progress in recent years, with the once highly-fancied forward not making a senior appearance since 2019.
One can only hope that a move away from west London can reignite his career. He has at least featured a few times for Chelsea’s development squad this season.
6. Jake Clarke-Salter
Clarke-Salter looks set to finally move on / Robin Jones/GettyImages
Jake Clarke-Salter has endured no less than six loan spells during his career so far, most recently linking up with Coventry City last summer.
He has done pretty well in the West Midlands too, suggesting that he is more than good enough for a permanent Championship home at the end of the season. Good for him.
Source: 90min.com
