Roman Abramovich has been added to the government's sanctions list, with all of the 55-year-old's UK assets - including Chelsea Football Club - frozen with immediate effect.
Chelsea will be allowed to continue functioning with restrictions under a special sporting licence that expires at the end of May but the club's sale has been placed into doubt and the owner will no longer be permitted to invest in the club.
There is also a lack of certainty over what this means for the Blues' transfer dealings going forward. While the sanctions state that only “inter-club payments to discharge obligations which existed before 10 March 2022 under player loan/sale arrangements” will be permitted, the license Chelsea have been given to continue operating only lasts until May, meaning things could be different by the time the summer window opens in July.
However, for now it means that there are several players in Thomas Tuchel 's side who could now be available to move this summer as uncertainty exists over contract extensions at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal are one of the teams who could benefit from this, as Mikel Arteta seeks to build his squad to become one that is capable of moving higher up the Premier League table next season.
Here football.london takes a look at some of them.
Andreas Christensen
One player whose contract expires with Chelsea this summer is Andreas Christensen.
The Danish international has failed to reach a new agreement with the Blues despite attempts from Thomas Tuchel to convince him to stay and has been linked with a free transfer to Barcelona this summer.
On the face of it, Arsenal don't appear to need a new centre back. football.london understands that the Gunners want William Saliba to return to the Emirates when his loan with Marseille ends, with plans in place for a contract extension at the end of this season.
However, Marseille have reportedly shown an interest in keeping the Frenchman, who could be convinced to join by the promise of regular game time.
Should Saliba leave, then Christensen, who has also spent time playing as a right back in the past, could be an ideal addition to Mikel Arteta's squad.
Cesar Azpilicueta
One area Arsenal are reportedly looking to add in this summer is at right-back.
Takehiro Tomiyasu has been a hit since his deadline day arrival from Bologna, but there is a possibility the Gunners could be on the lookout for someone stylistically similar to the Japan international to deputise for him.
football.london understands that Cedric remains committed to the Gunners, but if Arsenal still decide to bring another player in, then Cesar Azpilicueta could be an ideal addition.
Having played everywhere across the backline, the Spanish international would provide ideal competition for Tomiyasu in the inverted full-back role and could bring some much needed experience and leadership to Mikel Arteta's young squad.
Arsenal have had their fingers burnt in the past by signing ageing Blues stars in Petr Cech, David Luiz and Willian, but if Edu is willing to sanction another mood, then Azpilicueta could be a shrewd signing.
Saul Niguez
Saul Niguez arrived at Chelsea on transfer deadline day on loan from Atletico Madrid.
Included in the deal was an option to buy the Spanish international for £30 million, but crucially not an obligation, meaning that he could be available to buy this summer.
Many Arsenal fans might be underwhelmed at the prospect of the 27-year-old coming to the Emirates given his inconsistent form with Thomas Tuchel's men this season, but there's a possibility that he could be a better fit at Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta is thought to be looking to add a left sided 'eight' to his squad this season as an upgrade on Granit Xhaka, and given Saul's technical ability and defensive solidity that he has demonstrated in his time with Diego Simeone 's men, there is a possibility that the best could still be coaxed out of him.
It would be a risk for sure, but one that could fit nicely for the Gunners.
