At the time of writing, we have absolutely no idea of the short and long-term effects of Roman Abramovich’s sanctioning.
As far as we know, Chelsea will be sold to the preferred bidder identified by the Raine Group, an investment firm overseeing the sale, and the UK government. There has been no shortage of interest from those looking to acquire the Blues.
It has been one of the football betting stories of the year, not only in terms of this season but also next – how will Chelsea cover for the likes of Antonio Rüdiger, César Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen, who may all be forced to leave on a free in the summer?
And what does the future hold for the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner…. will they stay, or will they go?
The good news, if we can call it that, is that Chelsea already has some ready-made replacements waiting in the wings.
Trevoh Chalobah
Already something of a cult favourite with Blues fans, Trevoh Chalobah is likely to become an integral figure at the heart of the Chelsea defence in 2022/23.
Having already featured regularly in the Premier League and Champions League this term, the 22-year-old has the athleticism and technical ability you would expect from a modern centre back, and if he can rid his game of those occasional mistakes, Chalobah is poised for the big time.
He also has an eye for goal, having found the net four times and counting this term.
Malang Sarr
The young Frenchman came with a lofty reputation when he completed his free agency move from Nice in the summer of 2020.
Sarr is yet to really get going in a blue shirt, but he has largely been devoid of opportunities – those should come on the left side of defence next term if Rudiger departs.
Ethan Ampadu
The 2021/22 campaign has been vital for the development of Ethan Ampadu.
He’s been away in Italy getting some much-needed first-team experience at Venezia, and while his temporary employer has struggled in Serie A, the defender-midfielder has been a standout figure of their season.
If Chelsea are forced to trim their squad size in the coming months, Ampadu’s versatility could see him become an integral figure for the Blues next season.
Billy Gilmour
Given how good he has been in a Chelsea shirt in the past, it beggars belief that Billy Gilmour has been unable to impact more games while on loan at Norwich City.
The young Scot may just have benefitted from the hardship, however, and his Man of the Match performance against Wolves in an FA Cup tie in February was a reminder of his rich talents.
Jude Soonsup-Bell
One of the most highly-rated youngsters coming through Chelsea’s academy, Jude Soonsup-Bell could be tasked with featuring in the first team next term.
Despite having only just turned 18, the attacking starlet stands over six feet tall and is ready for the rigours of ‘senior’ football.
A prolific goalscorer for both Chelsea and England at youth level, it’s going to be fascinating to follow Soonsup-Bell’s development.