Liverpool handed huge double transfer ‘boost’ after Chelsea and Roman Abramovich sanctions

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government.

The Russian oligarch has had his assets frozen in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Background

In a government document published, Abramovich has been identified as a ‘pro-Kremlin oligarch’ and is someone who is ‘associated with a person who is or has been involved in destabilising Ukraine and undermining and threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, namely Vladimir Putin, with whom Abramovich has had a close relationship for decades’.

It means that Abramovich cannot sell or invest in Chelsea, having put the club up for sale last week.

The Stamford Bridge club have been a special licence to continue operating in the short term - yet with restrictions.

Only season-ticket holders can attend matches, with no tickets sales or merchandise allowed to be sold.

Player signings are banned and new contracts cannot be given out.

How could it impact Liverpool?

Liverpool and Chelsea are rivals in the Premier League and the Champions League.

In the past, they have tussled each other when it comes to recruiting players to boost ambitions for silverware.

For example, the London outfit won the race for Willian in 2013, while it was Jurgen Klopp who prised Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Anfield four years later.

Barcelona wonder kid Gavi has been linked with both top-flight big-hitters.

According to Mundo Deportivo, via football-talk.co.uk, the 17-year-old is wanted both by the Reds and Chelsea.

Gavi’s one of the most exciting talents in world football. Despite his tender age, the midfielder has registered two goals and four assists in 33 appearances for Barca this season.

Reports suggest that Gavi has a €50 million release clause in his Nou Camp contract, which expires in 2023.

Liverpool and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in centre-back Ronaldo Araujo.

His deal also comes to a conclusion at the end of next campaign, having made 33 appearances so far this time around.

Yet if Abramovich and Chelsea remain under sanctions come the summer transfer window, it would mean Chelsea cannot swoop for either.