Chelsea players 'planning escape routes from Stamford Bridge'

Numerous Chelsea players are reportedly starting to formulate exit routes from the club in the wake of sanctions against owner Roman Abramovich.

The Russian oligarch had his assets frozen by the UK Government earlier this week following the invasion of Ukraine, with Chelsea being given a special licence to continue footballing activities while the sale of the club remains on hold.

However, the Blues cannot conduct transfer business or offer players new contracts while the sanctions remain in place, and fans are fearing for the future of the capital club in the Premier League.

According to The Mirror, some of Thomas Tuchel's players are already planning their imminent moves away, with agents now in contact with lawyers to discuss options.

Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta are due to become free agents at the end of the season anyway, and the former is reportedly closing in on a summer move to Barcelona.

Chelsea's bank account and credit cards have reportedly been temporarily frozen amid the sanctions against Abramovich, while shirt sponsor Three have also suspended their partnership with the European champions.