So, it’s finally happened. The UK Government have imposed sanctions on Roman Abramovich, which is set to cause a major problem for Chelsea.
The Blues are unable to sell match tickets, the club shop at Stamford Bridge has been closed, and players won’t be able to receive new contracts.
In regards to that final point, Tottenham and Newcastle have been boosted.
What’s the story?
Well, Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen is believed to be a transfer target for Spurs and the Magpies.
It was FC Inter News who claimed that Newcastle are keen, whereas Calciomercato revealed Tottenham want the Dane in N17.
Crucially, Christensen becomes a free agent in June, which is why the news of Abramovich being sanctioned is a boost to Tottenham and Newcastle.
Now – unless the situation changes – Chelsea are physically unable to keep the 25-year-old at Stamford Bridge.
Tottenham and Newcastle still have work to do
Chelsea always posed the biggest threat to Tottenham and Newcastle’s hopes of signing Christensen.
The £83,000-a-week man came through their Cobham Academy, and presumably would’ve stayed if the Blues met his demands.
Now, even with Chelsea out of the picture, there is still one obstacle in the way for Antonio Conte and Eddie Howe – Barcelona.
According to Sport, Christensen has verbally agreed to join Barcelona.
Therefore, the Premier League duo have a mission on their hands to convince him to ignore a linkup with Xavi at the Camp Nou.
Nevertheless, the biggest hurdle was Chelsea, who are now powerless in the situation following the UK Government’s decision to sanction Abramovich.
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