10 transfer targets Chelsea may no longer be able to buy following sanction hit

Chelsea may well have had their summer transfer plans scuppered by new UK government sanctions on Roman Abramovich.

The Blues have been hit hard after their owner had his assets frozen in a crackdown on seven Russian oligarchs.

As well as Abramovich not being able to sell the club, they will not be able to make merchandise revenue, sell tickets or hand out new contracts.

And perhaps most heartbreaking for fans is that they have been banned from signing new players.

The sanctions are in place until May 31, 2022 – and it remains unclear what will happen after that date.

Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea were due to splash the cash once the window opens – but here are 10 transfer targets they may no longer be able to buy ahead of next season.

Jules Kounde

Having been heavily pursued last summer, Kounde was set to be the Stamford Bridge hierarchy's first order of business this summer.

They were already reportedly working on a deal to sign the Sevilla defender, who now looks likely to stay in La Liga.

Declan Rice

Chelsea fans – which one hurts the most? Let us know in the comments section.

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West Ham midfielder Rice has established himself as one of the Premier League's best and all the top six sides would love to have him in their side.

Despite David Moyes slapping a price tag in excess of £100m on his star man, a transfer battle could ensue this year – but Chelsea may not be involved.

Erling Haaland

Only a select few clubs will be able to afford the mega costs which will come when signing Haaland, with Chelsea being one of them.

If Abramovich's plan to sell up hadn't already scuppered that, then any hope could be dead and buried now.

Aurelien Tchouameni

An alternative option to Rice which had been touted was Monaco sensation Tchouameni, who has been lighting up Ligue 1 at the age of 22.

Monaco have a history of cashing in on their young talents, so Chelsea could miss out with Manchester United also circling.

Endrick

Brazilian teenager Endrick, 15, has captured the attention of not only the Blues but the whole footballing world with his skills and goals.

It is anticipated the likes of United, Liverpool, and Man City will make a move when he turns 16 in July and they may have one less competitor now.

Ronald Araujo

Chelsea's need for defensive reinforcements has deepened with Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azipilicueta all unable to stay for next season as it stands.

So not being able to sign Barcelona centre-back Araujo, who is one of the hottest properties on the market, would be a real kick in the teeth.

Borna Sosa

One move considered for the January transfer window in west London was to sign 24-year-old left-back Sosa from Stuttgart.

Also fancied by Arsenal and Tottenham, he's excelling in the Bundesliga and would have been great competition for Ben Chilwell.

Ousmane Dembele

Another signing who was on the cards earlier this year was Dembele, who Thomas Tuchel has worked with before at Borussia Dortmund.

The Barcelona man was supposedly being lined up for a summer approach.

Riyad Mahrez

The latest player to be linked with a move to Stamford Bridge was Manchester City winger Mahrez, who has been in fine form this season.

Foot Mercato claimed this week that Chelsea were interested in a steal with his deal up next year, a plan which may now be out of the question.

Eden Hazard

Fans have been dreaming for the return of Hazard since rumours began circulating of an exit from Real Madrid, where he has struggled for form.

Newcastle now look to have a clear path to secure his Premier League return to add insult to injury on a nightmare day for Chelsea.

  • Chelsea FC
  • Transfer news
  • Premier League
  • Roman Abramovich
  • Erling Haaland
  • Borussia Dortmund FC
  • Real Madrid FC
  • West Ham FC
  • Manchester City FC
  • Barcelona FC
  • AS Monaco FC
  • Sevilla FC
  • Thomas Tuchel

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