Chelsea players ‘contact lawyers’ over potential departures if financial problems deepen

It has not been a good week at Stamford Bridge.

Recent developments at Chelsea have prompted some of their players to explore potential exits from the club, according to reports. Despite Roman Abramovich confirming his intention to sell the Premier League club earlier in the week, Chelsea's financial future has been plunged into uncertainty as their outgoing owner has had his assets frozen as part of sanctions placed on him by the UK government. The 55-year-old was one of seven Russian oligarchs to be sanctioned on Thursday as the government stepped up its response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As a result, Chelsea are banned from offering contracts, buying players and even selling tickets and merchandise. They have also been informed that front-of-shirt sponsors Three have suspended their deal with the club. Now, according to The Telegraph, agents representing some of the club's players have asked lawyers about their clients' options should the measures result in salary payments being late in the weeks and months ahead. Rival clubs are believed to be monitoring events at Stamford Bridge closely with some eyeing the opportunity to sign players on the cheap. Although the report says a sense of unity has been evident amongst Chelsea's players throughout the turmoil of the last few days, it also adds that concerned agents have asked for clarity regarding players' employment rights. On the pitch, Chelsea defeated Norwich 3-1 at Carrow Road on Thursday night, where some of their supporters defied calls to stop singing Abramovich's name. Some Chelsea fans in attendance for their trip to Burnley last weekend were condemned for showing their support for Abramovich during the planned show of support for Ukraine which took place before kick-off.