Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has had his assets frozen, with a number of sanctions placed over his holdings following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and there is much talk of how the club will be affected by the new restrictions.
At present, we have been informed that the club’s day-to-day budget has been massively reduced, although there is no mention as to whether players or staff will have their wages reduced in any way, but should the restrictions remain in place this summer, they will not be expected to be allowed to splash out.
This could have a major effect on a number of players futures, with vultures keen to raid their star-crammed squad, but if they are unable to sign new players or even offer new deals to their current crop, they could try to hoard their current assets.
Armando Broja is on the radar of a number of clubs after an immense breakthrough season out on loan with Southampton, and Arsenal are amongst those most strongly linked with his signature. His potential and ability would likely thrive amongst our exciting squad of youngsters and raw energy.
While our chances of signing him from the Blues has appeared slim, the latest news could work for or against us. On one hand, the Albanian international could be worried about the club’s future and their ability to challenge for top honours over the coming seasons, whilst the sanctions could well see Chelsea refuse to sell the likes of Timo Werner or Romelu Lukaku in fear of not being able to sign a suitable replacement.
On the same hand, they may also refuse to sell Broja, who is under contract until 2026, but that could well be against the player’s wishes. With just one striker role in the side (under the current formation), and with all of Timo, Romelu and Kai Havertz all sharing the role at present, there is a significant challenge ahead of his if he is to vie for a first-team role at Stamford Bridge, and there is little point in keeping players at the club who do not wish to be there.
One key puzzle piece in all this could well be Lukaku however, who has seemed unhappy with his limited playing time under Tuchel throughout the term, and he could well be the first to request an exit, and him moving on would surely be a huge blocker to Broja’s exit.
Unfortunately, I’m leaning towards their sanctions making it even more difficult to land the 20 year-old, as I imagine they will try to hoard their current assets, moreso those not being paid monster wages at present.
Do you think Broja could be the long-term answer to Arsenal’s striker role? Do you think the sanctions help or hinder our chances of signing him?
Patrick
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Are Arsenal worthy of a Top Four finish?
No. Under those sanctions they are not allowed to buy or sell players.
That’s what I heard too. If we could poach one Chelsea player, I’d like Arsenal to sign Havertz or Lukaku
The chelsea fans have been calling Lukaku a flop. They keep making jokes, memes mocking him.
He seems to be their own Giroud at the moment.
Lukaku would be the wrong striker for us. He’s great in the box but not good enough in his general play. Amazing record for Belgium, though
Lukaku said Tuchel decided to play with a different system now. I think some CFs can only thrive in a specific system, such as Aubameyang
I was just impressed with Lukaku’s performance in Euro. But if I could choose between Havertz and him, I’d sign the former
Yes Lukaku for me
Brotha is not good enough for such high asking price. Did you guys see that miss against Newcastle? There too many better talents in Europe and at a better price.
They are not allowed to sell him due to the sanctions so the only way we could sign him would be on a free transfer.
If they are allow to sell I think a lot of players will look to leave themselves too. What’s wrong with the UK government? Sanctioning a man for a crime he didn’t commit, who does that? What a world we live in now. I’ve always discussed with my sister about opening a business in London where she resides. But right now that idea is off the table because the President of my country might do something The UK government doesn’t side with and I might have to loose my business because of what a decision I didn’t partake in making. Though an Arsenal fan I think Chelsea is being unfairly punished here. Doesn’t bode well for future investors from foreign countries.
to ensure Roman gets nothing
the goverment will sized it for free and auction it another business man….
Chapo Though I do see your argument, at least to an extent, I cannot agree nor condone it. What Ukraine and its noble citizens are being FORCED to go through dwarfs all other ethical and normal considerations.
If it helps, even a little bit, to offset the agony that good people are suffering through no fault of theirown, by making it impossible for bad folk such as Abramovitch to milk our own largely corrupt economic sysyem for their personal gain, then so be it. THAT is the only moral and right thing to do.
If it has taken such action to finally force our own previously complicit British government to start acting ethically, then I say BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!!
@Jon Fox, I think you just being sentimental,
We have club owners from the middle east who have been accused of grievous crimes, yet they stand, we have a lot of terrible officiating yet they stand,
Zouma was terribly accused ( I strongly believe it’s because he’s black), yet nothing was done,
I ain’t supporting Russia 🇷🇺 nor Abramovich, I just feel his sanction is too much,
Things should be done appropriately.
yes I agree.
Is this not goinf to hurt the staff at the club more than the owner?
Lets not forget they were all to happy to have him. spend the money here in the 1st place.
you can get the best of both worlds unless you are a corrupt British government.
If they do this they should look at every club and pose sanctions across the board.
It’s being reported that Chelsea are facing up to a trophyless future with no money to spend on transfers and now football fans are beginning to wonder how long government sanctions have been in place at Tottenham.
Lol
Firstly, I want to credit Patrick for tackling the difficult Chelsea question and touching briefly upon the massive change in their circumstances now and in the foreseeable future.
On Broja, I have not a clue what may or may not happen- my view is that he is still raw but seems very promising- so I have no more of any substance to add on him.
But on the wider Chelsea question , including the pariah that some of their fans seem intent on branding their club and it entire fanbase, (even though most of the non chanters are clearly decent fans) by idiotically chanting the former owners name, I will be contibuting a detailed, in depth article within a few days, setting out my own thoughts and predictions on the whole question.
I will of course include my opinion about how it may affect our club.
I will also be giving my thoughts on how it may, just may(HOPEFULLY), change how some fans in general behave in future.
Can’t wait to read a long article by my grandpa.
I cut copied pasted from the Chelsea site
Statement from Roman Abramovich
02 Mar 2022
Facebook
Twitter
I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC. As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart. In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the Club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the Club’s sponsors and partners.
The sale of the Club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid. This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and Club. Moreover, I have instructed my team to set up a charitable foundation where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated. The foundation will be for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine. This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery.
Please know that this has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, and it pains me to part with the Club in this manner. However, I do believe this is in the best interest of the Club.
I hope that I will be able to visit Stamford Bridge one last time to say goodbye to all of you in person. It has been a privilege of a lifetime to be part of Chelsea FC and I am proud of all our joint achievements. Chelsea Football Club and its supporters will always be in my heart.
Thank you,
Roman
Fascinating dynamic this weekend for Chelsea’s game versus Newcastle. Two sides with deep pocket owners with, to put it mildly, dubious backgrounds.
One on the way up. One on the way down and bracing for a pretty rough landing.
Will any Geordies look at Chelsea as a cautionary tale? Would any Chelsea fans be wishing the Saudi Royal Family has waited a few months? Would they be happy to trade RA for MBS or are they looking for a more reputable, if less wealthy, owner?
We should be targeting Connor Gallagher. He is the ideal Box to Box Midfielder.